Scheme of the new detection principle. (IMAGE) Technische Universität Dresden Caption Scheme of the new detection principle. A functionalized hydrogel microparticle (blue sphere) binds to the directionally immobilized enzyme (red) on a chip surface. Depending on the presence of estrogen-like compounds (gray spheres) in the detection solution, these bonds are blocked and the hydrogel microparticles become less deformed, which can be read out by optical methods. Credit Rettke et al Usage Restrictions Rettke et al License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.