Perchlorate detection via an invertebrate biosensor

Abstract

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are constructed from easily obtainable ingredients that are often unregulated and difficult to trace.

Interpol review of the analysis and detection of explosives and explosives residues

“…In a similar vein of using animals to detect explosives, Alsaleh, S., Barron, L., and Sturzenbaum, S. published a paper on the use of the invertebrate nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (worm) for the detection of ground soil perchlorate [ 620 ].…”

Synthetic biology in multicellular organisms: Opportunities in nematodes

“…Engineered C. elegans strains have been used as biosensors to detect a variety of toxic elements in soil and water. For example, fluorescent transgenic lines were able to detect perchlorate, a powerful and toxic oxidizer and soil pollutant (Alsaleh et al, 2021), metal contaminants found in soil pore water, glyphosate (Bailey et al, 2018) and Mn (Bailey et al, 2016; Todt et al, 2016). These examples represent first steps in the application of C. elegans for contaminant assessment in soil.…”

Selective Perchlorate Sensing Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy with Self‐Assembled Monolayers of semiaza‐Bambusurils

“…[14] More advanced analytical methods for perchlorate residues include ion-selective electrodes equipped with ion carriers within polymer membranes, total reflection X-ray fluorescence [15] and organism-based biosensors. [16] Overall, several methods are not target-specific or poorly quantifiable in the presence of other background ions, and some technologies require costly instruments and well-controlled experimental conditions. Hence, there is a need to develop highly selective, accessible methods.…”

“…A wide range of analytical methods is commonly used for perchlorate detection, including UV/Vis spectroscopy, [7] integrated mass spectrometry, such as ion or liquid chromatography‐MS, [8–10] ion‐exchange chromatography, [11,12] capillary electrophoresis, [13] and selection of staining assays [14] . More advanced analytical methods for perchlorate residues include ion‐selective electrodes equipped with ion carriers within polymer membranes, total reflection X‐ray fluorescence [15] and organism‐based biosensors [16] . Overall, several methods are not target‐specific or poorly quantifiable in the presence of other background ions, and some technologies require costly instruments and well‐controlled experimental conditions.…”