biostudies-literatureZhang PNew Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment131https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11940179biostudies-literatureUnknown15(3)Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that can be deployed in the field and remotely addressed are required. In this study, we have developed an innovative zoospore-sensing device by combining a microfluidic sampling system with a microfluidic cytometer and incorporating a chemotactic response as a means to selectively detect motile spores. Spores of <i>Phytophthora cactorum</i> were guided to swim up a detection channel following a gradient of attractant. They were then detected by a transient cBiosensorsMicrofluidic Biosensors for the Detection of Motile Plant Zoospores.PMC11940179C09X1817Helps RPushparajah IPSStephens LTravas-Sejdic JWilliams DEZhang PWood MfalseMicrofluidic Biosensors for the Detection of Motile Plant Zoospores.Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that can be deployed in the field and remotely addressed are required. In this study, we have developed an innovative zoospore-sensing device by combining a microfluidic sampling system with a microfluidic cytometer and incorporating a chemotactic response as a means to selectively detect motile spores. Spores of <i>Phytophthora cactorum</i> were guided to swim up a detection channel following a gradient of attractant. They were then detected by a transient c2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Feb2025-06-25T03:04:14.352Z2025-06-25T03:04:14.352ZS-EPMC119401794013692810.3390/bios15030131