A Generic Sensor for Ultra Low Analyte Concentration Detection

J. Hedley, C.J. McNeil, J.S. Burdess, A.J. Harris, M.G. Dobson, G. Suarez and H. Berney
Newcastle University, UK

Keywords: mass sensor, analyte detection, cyclic symmetry

Abstract:
This paper reports on the development of a MEMS based generic mass sensor system (international patents pending) aimed at quantitative analyte measurement with a sensitivity of the order of 0.01 ng per cm sq. The sensor utilizes the property of cyclic symmetry to auto-compensate for any system drifts due to temperature fluctuations. Initial characterization of the sensor has demonstrated this auto-compensation mechanism. Immobilization protocols are currently being established using antibody immobilization onto a gold surface. The drive / sense electronics for the sensor system are under development.

Nanotech 2004 Conference Technical Program Abstract