초록 ▼

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 whi

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 .mu.m long, approximately 1 to 50 .mu.m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 .mu.m thick. A sensitivity for detection of deflections is in the range of 0.01 nanometers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for detecting specific binding partner molecules from a sample of monitored media containing one specific binding partner to be analyzed, comprising:a base;at least one cantilevered spring element attached to said base, said spring element comprising at lea

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for detecting specific binding partner molecules from a sample of monitored media containing one specific binding partner to be analyzed, comprising:a base;at least one cantilevered spring element attached to said base, said spring element comprising at least one surface having a coated region comprising at least one binding partner molecule specific to the partner to be analyzed; anda means for measuring an irreversible deflection of said spring element resulting from mechanical stresses established by the reaction of said binding partner molecules.