Detection of plant pathogenic fungi by a fluorescent sensor array

Detection and identification of plant pathogenic fungi have relevant implications for both food safety and human health, and require fast and easy-to handle diagnostic techniques. In this context, we report the design and development of a fluorescent array-based sensor, containing different organic receptors, able to detect selectively Penicillium italicum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium sacchari. The detection of these pathogenic fungi can be performed using a smartphone, leading to the first example of detection of microscopic fungal plant pathogens by fluorescent array using a smartphone as detector. This study represents a proof-of-concept for the realization of practical sensoristic devices able to detect pathogens in plant products and food or in environmental samples, in order to guarantee food and human health security.