Precision Application System

We at Pyre believe our current deployment method can meet the needs of our stakeholders. We combine all aspects of our project into our state-of-the-art precision application system. Using our sensing system in-field, we can map the concentrations of pyrethroids across an area. This data is processed through our spatial model, which predicts bacterial growth in the environment in 3-dimensions to ensure there is no overspray, this drastically reduces the costs for the user and allows more controlled GM release. This data is fed into a modern sprayer with variable rate technology which releases our product at precise locations, leading to minimal costs with no loss in efficacy.

This deployment plan was formed after multiple conversations with Syngenta, Severn Trent and farmers where we closed the loop after being satisfied that it could meet their needs while minimising any burden in terms of costs and labour.

Some of the challenges we have to consider in the real world include: optimal deployment time, overall costs, biosafety and ease-of-use. Optimal deployment time was identified by using a post-harvest spray, which prevents the disruption of crops and removes obstructions that allows our product to reach the site of action to break down pesticide residue. We kept costs to a minimum by using existing technology such as variable rate sprayers, a liquid formulation of bacterial culture can be safely deployed using this system, which meant that no new technology had to be designed or investing in new equipment. We recognise that deployment of GMOs in the environment poses a severe biosafety concern, therefore the integration of our toxin-antitoxin kill switch (which results in death of the bacteria in the presence of 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde buildup) meant our bacteria could only survive in the presence of λ-cyhalothrin. Recognising that our end users (farmers) would unlikely be trained experts, we went on to design detection kit prototypes with the principal focus on ease of use.

Detection Kit Prototype

We proposed a sensing-degradation system to tackle pyrethroid pesticide residue build up in the environment, and have engineered E. coli capable of degrading λ-cyhalothrin. Further, we developed a prototype pesticide detection kit using our aptamer-based biosensor. The sensor is designed as a rapid, cheap, and easy-to-use in-field testing solution for all users, regardless of scientific background, to determine the pesticide contaminant concentrations within specific testing locations.

Here is the user guide of our prototype:

Despite our accomplishments, the prototype currently only serves as a proof-of-concept, which demonstrates the potential feasibility and application of implementing in-field aptamer-based pesticide detection. Considerable refinements, including optimisation involving increasing sensitivities and stability of the sensing system, still need to be made, before this system has the capacity for application in real-life, for example within real businesses and the agricultural industry, in the way that Pyre envisioned for the future.