Ecotoxicology and effects-based analytics
Estrogens and estrogen-like substances in water can lead to gender shifts in fish and other larger organisms. This effect even occurs at very low concentrations and is a cause for concern. Since 2011, we have been working on the development of a planar YES biotest, an early warning system that can detect very sensitive estrogenic effects in aqueous samples. This should make it both easier and more effective to monitor the presence of these substances in the environment, food and packaging in the future.
Reference projects
Planar YES test system
This Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) is a novel test system for estrogenic effect in samples taken from the environment and from food
The planar-YES concept was developed to the point where it became interesting for an economic partner to join the implementation phase of a laboratory test kit. The project’s five focal points are:
- A new yeast application process
- Planar-YES-MS coupling; estrogenic activity of plant extracts and packaging migrates
- Validation and elaboration of the concept for a laboratory test kit
At a glance
- Project partners: WWEA Canton of Zurich, AfU Canton of Thurgau
- Client: ZHAW Initiative
- Duration: June 2016 to March 2017
planar-YES profiles
Profiles of estrogenic activity in purified wastewater
In this project, the planar-YES is being systematically applied to sewerage treatment processes for the first time. The aim was to investigate whether there were characteristic patterns of estrogenic activity in treated wastewater. Part of the project was also the elaboration of a procedure how these profiles could be evaluated.
