Fusarium-responsive materials: A next-generation strategy for sensing, actuation, and sustainable crop protection

Fusarium spp. are among the most destructive pathogens in global agriculture, posing serious threats to food security, plant health, and sustainability. Traditional detection and control methods often suffer from low specificity, delayed response, and ecological concerns. In this Perspective, we explore the convergence of nanotechnology, chemical sensing, and smart actuation to define a new paradigm: Fusarium-responsive materials capable of real-time pathogen recognition and autonomous intervention. We examine Fusarium-specific biochemical signatures, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mycotoxins (e.g., fumonisin B₁), and enzymatic markers, as actionable cues for biosensing. Building on this, we discuss advanced sensor platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and plasmonic systems functionalized with bioreceptors such as aptamers, antibodies, and molecularly imprinted polymers. The integration of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers enables on-demand antifungal delivery, activated by infection-related triggers such as pH, enzymes, redox changes, or light. Recent developments also highlight the synergy between biosensing devices and machine learning algorithms, enhancing detection specificity and field robustness. Looking forward, we propose a holistic vision of sensing–actuation fusion, where smart materials both detect and intelligently respond to fungal threats. The emergence of self-powered biosensors, driven by triboelectric and photovoltaic mechanisms, adds new autonomy and sustainability to field applications. Key directions include AI-driven sensor arrays, lab-on-leaf platforms, and multifunctional biohybrid systems for localized treatment. By integrating insights from chemical sensing, materials science, plant pathology, and synthetic biology, this Perspective envisions a next-generation framework for crop protection that is responsive, precise, and environmentally aligned.