Micromechanical antibody sensor

摘要

A sensor apparatus is provided using a microcantilevered spring element having a coating of a detector molecule such as an antibody or antigen. A sample containing a target molecule or substrate is provided to the coating. The spring element bends in response to the stress induced by the binding which occurs between the detector and target molecules. Deflections of the cantilever are detected by a variety of detection techniques. The microcantilever may be approximately 1 to 200 mum long, approximately 1 to 50 mum wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 mum thick. A sensitivity for detection of deflections is in the range of 0.01 nanometers.