Molecular recognition of biowarfare agents using micromechanical sensors

Authors: Ji, Hai Feng; Yang, Xiaodong; Zhang, Jing; Thundat, Thomas

Source: Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, Volume 4, Number 6, November 2004 , pp. 859-866(8)

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Abstract:

Recent terrorist events have demonstrated that an urgent and widespread need exists for the development of novel sensors for threat detection, especially biowarfare agents. The advent of inexpensive, mass-produced microcantilever sensors promises to bring about a revolution in detection of terrorist threats. Extremely sensitive and highly selective sensors can be developed for using a microcantilever platform. Microcantilevers undergo bending when molecules are adsorbed on a single side. For biowarfare agent detection, specificity is achieved by immobilizing antibodies on one side of the cantilever. Antigen adsorption decreases surface energy and stress, resulting in cantilever deflection.

Keywords: adsorption-induced bending; biowarfare agent detection; microcantilever sensors; nanomechanical sensing; ricin; tularemia

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/14737159.4.6.859

Publication date: 2004-11-01

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Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics provides expert reviews on molecular diagnostic technologies and applied pharmacogenomics in clinical medicine. Coverage includes molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, diagnostic technologies, microarrays and biochips, proteomics, pharmacogenomics, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine.
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