Microbial Sensors Revolutionize Environmental Monitoring
Fieldstone Bio is pioneering a new approach to environmental monitoring using genetically engineered microbes. These microscopic sensors can detect a range of substances, from explosives like TNT to environmental contaminants like arsenic.
From Lab to Field: Microbial Sensors in Action
Spun out of MIT research, Fieldstone Bio has developed a method to program microbes to change color upon encountering target substances. This technology allows for the detection of hidden threats like landmines or crucial nutrients in agricultural fields.
The company recently secured $5 million in seed funding to transition its technology from the lab to real-world testing. This funding will enable Fieldstone Bio to deploy its microbial sensors using drones and hyperspectral imaging.
How it Works: Drones, Microbes, and AI
Fieldstone Bio's process involves broadcasting the engineered microbes over a designated area using drones. After a period allowing the microbes to interact with the environment, another drone equipped with a hyperspectral camera captures images of the area. These cameras capture hundreds of different wavelengths of light, allowing for the detection of subtle changes caused by the microbes' reactions.
AI then analyzes the hyperspectral data, identifying the unique signals from the microbes and creating detailed maps of the target substance's distribution.
The power of AI allows us to tease out faint signals and create heat maps of the microbes sensing the environment," explains Brandon Fields, co-founder and chief science officer.
Applications Beyond Security and Agriculture
Beyond national security and agricultural applications, Fieldstone Bio sees potential for its technology in environmental remediation. CEO Patrick Stone highlights the ability to pinpoint contaminants like arsenic with high precision, enabling targeted cleanup efforts.
The company is working with the EPA to ensure regulatory compliance for its genetically modified microbes.
Future Vision: A Global Chemical Database
Fieldstone Bio's long-term goal is to create a comprehensive database correlating environmental signals with the data gathered by its microbial sensors. This database could eventually eliminate the need to deploy microbes, allowing hyperspectral cameras on drones, planes, and satellites to detect substances remotely.
This innovative approach promises to revolutionize environmental monitoring, offering unprecedented detail and efficiency in detecting a wide range of substances.