Based out of the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Aptisens has now become a leader in the latest ion-sensing technology. Dr. Roy O'Mahony, CEO of Clean Grow, explains, "We developed a handheld multi-ion probe to help vertical and controlled environment farms better understand nutrient dynamics - with support from the EU and Innovate UK, we just grew from there."
Aptisens' initial aim was to replace outdated ion-selective electrodes with a more reliable, real-time solution. "The existing technology hadn't changed much since the '70s, and that gave us a great opportunity to innovate."
Nutrient monitoring indoors
Aptisens' probes offer an elegant solution for precise and timely nutrient management: fast, accurate, and affordable ion detection. "Our sensors allow growers to monitor nutrient levels like nitrate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in real time, enabling quicker decision-making."
The original version was handheld, designed for use in vertical farms and hydroponic systems. But that was only the beginning.
© AptisensFrom handheld to hands-free: automating nutrient analysisClean Grow soon partnered with satellite companies and greenhouse providers to integrate their sensors into automated systems. "We now supply fixed, cloud-connected probes that take measurements as often as you like. It's all sent to the cloud for analysis." It even has its own internet for when you're working in remote greenhouses.
Automation has unlocked an entirely new dimension of control. "When you're monitoring 24/7, you can adjust nutrient inputs before deficiencies or toxicities develop," he adds. This is a major leap forward from traditional lab testing, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and logistically challenging in remote areas.
A tiny chip with a big impact
The focus of Aptisens' system is a remarkable piece of technology: a screen-printed electrode with multiple sensors the size of a grain of rice. "We print these electrodes using conductive inks and coat them with ion-selective membranes," Dr. O'Mahony explains. "The beauty is, we can now print them in volume, cheaply and reproducibly."
The probes can detect 8 different ions in the same solution—without cross-contamination. This opens the door to multi-ion analysis in real-time, using only one sensor and a smartphone or cloud platform.
It needs to be affordable and accessible
One of Aptisens' key goals is accessibility. "A lot of agtech solutions are priced for the top 5% of farms. We're building tech that's scalable and affordable for everyone else." Their newest models are priced below €600 and can run unattended in the field for 6–12 months with solar power and a cellular connection.
This has big implications for developing countries. "In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, growers often can't afford lab testing or don't have access to labs at all. We can put our device in the field and beam the data straight to a grower's phone," he explains.
© Aptisens
Smart cloud-connected solutions
"All data is logged, analysed, and visualised on our platform. Growers can spot trends, compare data across fields or seasons, and even receive alerts. We're turning raw data into actionable insights."
The probes have already been deployed in crops ranging from hydroponic lettuce and tomato to tree fruit, ornamentals, and even Miscanthus grass in outdoor fields.
Water phosphate politics with Miscanthus as a bioremediation ally
In one research project, Aptisens' sensors helped monitor phosphate levels in a Miscanthus plantation grown on wastewater-irrigated land. "Phosphate is politically sensitive—it's finite, expensive, and environmentally problematic in excess."
Miscanthus, a fast-growing grass, can absorb excess nutrients and be harvested as biomass fuel. "We showed you can reduce phosphate loads while growing something useful, and we monitored the whole process with our sensors," he adds.
This work signals Aptisens' expansion into environmental applications. "We're working with researchers looking at eutrophication in lakes, pollution from agriculture, and even monitoring mine tailings." Their platform is versatile enough to go from greenhouse crops to contaminated wetlands.
"There's growing interest from water authorities, universities, and NGOs who want low-cost, high-frequency nutrient data to guide environmental decisions," he adds. "We want to put lab-quality analytics in the hands of every grower—whether they're in a greenhouse in the Netherlands or a maize field in Kenya."
For more information:
© Clean GrowClean Grow
cleangrow.com