Tomatoes are favored all over the world
for their delightful flavor and appealing look.
for their delightful flavor and appealing look.
Our little fairy and her companion, a hexapus named 'Protato', live in harmony with them.
But occasionally, terrible specks are seen on tomatoes.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato can be to blame.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (i.e., P. s. pv. tomato, or Pst)
is a Gram-negative bacterium, causal agent of bacterial speck of tomato
and also a pathogenic strain infecting various cruciferous crops.
is a Gram-negative bacterium, causal agent of bacterial speck of tomato
and also a pathogenic strain infecting various cruciferous crops.
Pst infects tomato leaves, stems and fruits, causing severe yield losses up to 75% and reducing market value.
After infection, Pst injects protease AvrRpt2 and phytotoxin Coronatine(COR) into tomatoes and undergoes endophytic multiplication during its incubation period from 3 days to several weeks.
Cannot be cured completely, but can be controlled using copper-based bactericides, which are most effective when applied before visible symptoms develop.
Dispersed by aerosols and rain splash. Development of symptoms favoured by leaf wetness and cool temperatures.
Rapid spreading of Pst is challenging to prevent or control.
This is why early detection of Pst is essential
for protecting tomato production and quality.
This is why early detection of Pst is essential
for protecting tomato production and quality.
To help farmers conveniently detect Pst at low cost, we developed Protato
Proteolysis-based Detection Device
for Pst Affected Tomato!
Protato will dive headfirst into this deep water!
We utilize the principle of proteolysis and rearrangement of coiled-coils domain(CC domain) to create a biomolecular AND logic circuit, with AvrRpt2 and COR secreted by Pst as dual inputs.
We then turned our focus to selecting a practical, detectable output signal for our early detection system, which would be not only functionally reliable but also accessible for real-world application.
In our Human Practices phase, in-depth discussions with farmers gave us a clear direction. They emphasized their need for low-cost, easy-to-use detection tools. Accordingly, glucose concentration stood out as a top choice for the output signal, since it is easy and cheap to detect. Therefore, just a small, portable glucometer would perfectly fit farmers’ on-site needs.
Our hardware, Protato kit, integrates sample collection, grinding, and biochemical detection into one portable device, enabling farmers to obtain reliable results directly in the field without professional instruments.
Our software, the Protato App, connects seamlessly with the hardware, providing intuitive visualization, real-time monitoring, and AI-assisted decision-making to support smarter agricultural management.
Going Beyond Detection
PROTATO is more than a biosensor — it represents a vision of accessible biotechnology for all.
We aim to help farmers identify plant diseases early, reduce chemical overuse, and protect yield and quality.
We empower agricultural communities with low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic tools that make biotechnology approachable rather than distant.
We envision a future where every grower, regardless of resources or location, can benefit from timely, data-driven insights into plant health.
With PROTATO, we are cultivating not just healthier crops — but a more sustainable way of living with nature.
