This technology is a thin-film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) that can be used for mass-based biomolecular and chemical detection.
Current methods for biomolecular and chemical detection rely primarily on chemical or fluorescent labeling, which require complex protocols and can impact assay sensitivity. Detecting molecules by mass can simplify detection procedures and allow for sensing in systems that are adversely affected by labeling. However, the sensitivity of current mass sensing technologies, such as quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs), are limited by constraints on the thickness of the sensor material.
This technology uses thin-film bulk acoustic resonators to detect mass changes associated with molecular interactions such as protein-protein binding, DNA hybridization, or molecular absorption. When an analyte is introduced to the resonator, its resonant frequency changes by a specific, measurable amount, which can then be used to determine the mass addition. In an array of such mass sensors, individual sensors can be functionalized using different methods to allow for simultaneous, multiplex, high-sensitivity measurement of multiple targets on a single sensor assembly.
An array of 24 mass sensors was demonstrated to significantly outperform QCMs and was able to detect volatile organic compounds.
IR M09-083
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel