Rapid Diagnostic Sensor Technology for Real Time Biological or Chemical Sample Detection
Functionalised microcantilever sensors have great potential for sensitive, selective, label-free detection of biological and chemical matter, including proteins, DNA, cells, drugs, and environmental contaminants. Typically this type of sensor is significantly limited by high cost, multi-step, silicon-based manufacturing processes, and high-cost, complex functionalisation processes.
Heriot-Watt University engineers have developed a rapid, ‘one-step’, low-cost fabrication process for production of pre-functionalised polymer-based microcantilevers, enabling development of affordable, disposable microcantilever devices, with a multitude of detection and diagnostic applications.
The fabrication method can be used with virtually any biological or chemical functionalisation, including antibodies, enzymes, catalysts, sugar or peptide moieties, and can therefore produce cantilever sensors capable of detecting a broad range of agents. The method can also generate multiplexed sensor arrays, allowing detection of multiple agents on the same platform. The method can also embed electronic circuits into the microcantilevers, allowing direct translation of binding into a read-out signal.
Key Benefits
- Fast, low-cost fabrication of cantilevers
- Pre-functionalisation of cantilever sensors with virtually any biological or chemical functional molecule
- Low-cost, polymer-based cantilever devices for high volume, disposable use
- Embedded electronics allowing direct readout and increased sensitivity of detection
Applications
- Medical; infectious disease diagnostics, toxicity/drug testing, prognostic & diagnostic biomarkers
- Food & drink; sensors for regulatory, infection, purity & quality control and monitoring
- Chemical; sensors for purity & quality control and monitoring
- Environmental; sensors for contaminant, pollutant & environmental toxin monitoring
IP Status
The fabrication method has been successfully demonstrated in machine labs at Heriot-Watt University, and can be applied in an industrial setting with minimal modifications.
A GB patent has been filed (priority date May 2009) protecting the fabrication method and its application to the production of pre-functionalised cantilevers.
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