Mass sensor for label-free biomolecular and chemical detection

This technology is a thin-film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) that can be used for mass-based biomolecular and chemical detection.

Unmet Need: Ultra-sensitive device for label-free mass sensing

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.

The Technology: Mass sensing device for label-free, multiplexed, high-sensitivity molecular analysis

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.

Applications:

• Molecular assays for biomedical, industrial, or agricultural research
• Tools for clinical diagnostics
• Tools for air and water testing
• Portable, handheld chemical sensors
• Point-of-care biomarker test platforms

Advantages:

• Label-free molecular detection
• Enables real-time detection of molecular binding events
• Higher sensitivity than QCMs
• Enables multiplex analysis of multiple target analytes
• Can be combined with integrated circuit technology to enable low-cost, multiplex molecular quantification

Lead Inventor:

Kenneth Shepard, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

• M.L. Johnston, I. Kymissis, K.L. Shepard. “An array of monolithic FBAR-CMOS oscillators for mass-sensing applications” Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (Transducers) Conference, Jun. 21-25 2009, pp. 1626-1629.

• M.L. Johnston, I. Kymissis, K.L. Shepard. “FBAR-CMOS oscillator array for mass-sensing applications” IEEE Sensors Journal, Jun. 2010, 10(6), pp. 1042-1047.

• M.L. Johnston, H. Edrees, I. Kymissis, K.L. Shepard. “Integrated VOC vapor sensing on FBAR-CMOS array” 2012 IEEE 25th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), Jan. 29 2012, pp. 846-849.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR M09-083

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel