Revolutionizing Pesticide Monitoring
With DeltaSense:
An Innovative Cell-Free Aptamer Biosensor
for Deltamethrin Detection
The Challenge
Crete's cherished olive cultivation faces a grave threat: the perilous overuse of pesticides. Between 1990 and 2021, global pesticide consumption surged by an alarming 96%, with Crete alone using 3.230 tons annually. Excessive reliance on pesticides- a practice driven by the pursuit of higher yields, is now jeopardizing their very essence, adversely affecting human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Our mission is to revolutionize this narrative by charting a sustainable course that preserves Crete's agricultural heritage as well as the ecological equilibrium.
The Problem
The use of the pyrethroid deltamethrin, employed to combat the olive oil fly (Bactrocera oleae) responsible for more than 40% of the harvest loss, introduces a complex challenge for olive growers in Crete. While effective in targeting the fly's nervous system, deltamethrin's neurotoxic properties pose a risk to non-target species and may exceed safe limits, disrupting the delicate environmental balance and impacting human health.
Our Solution
Our solution is DeltaSense, a cell free aptamer biosensor that detects deltamethrin residues that exceed the permissible concentrations posed by EU, in water samples. The aptamer binding to the pesticide in addition to three amplification cycles ensure our system's sensitivity and selectivity. The high amount of deltamethrin can be detected by the biosensor through the change of the color of the supernatant which will be visible to the naked eye.
The Human Factor
Connecting with farmers, the public, and academic experts was crucial in shaping DeltaSense into a viable, sustainable solution. This collaborative effort ensured that our approach was well-informed and aligned with the community's needs. It empowered us to forge a path towards safeguarding Crete's olive groves while respecting the interests and concerns of all involved parties.