New sensor detects chemicals that impair thyroid gland

In a study conducted at the University of Twente, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the Open University of Israel, researchers have developed a novel approach to address the environmental challenges posed by perchlorate salts, which have been identified as persistent pollutants with potential impacts on human health. Perchlorate salts are a type of anion - slightly negatively charged molecules - which have raised concerns due to their ability to interfere with the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. These molecules are highly soluble in water, but difficult to detect. Therefore the researchers worked on developing a new material that can bind these perchlorate salts and send out a signal when they are detected. Binding perchlorate salts. The researchers used a special anion receptor molecule which binds to a gold surface. They tried different side chains and found one that efficiently binds to perchlorate salts and detects them in various environments.