| AVS 54th International Symposium | |
| Tribology | Thursday Sessions |
| Session TR2+BI+NS+MN-ThM |
| Session: | Biolubrication, Sensing and Adhesion |
| Presenter: | P.S. Waggoner, Cornell University |
| Authors: | P.S. Waggoner, Cornell University H.G. Craighead, Cornell University |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) are of interest in sensing applications due to their high sensitivity, label-free operation, and potential for mutilplexed detection on a single chip. Resonant MEMS and NEMS devices have demonstrated detection of masses on the order of femtograms or less, transducing changes in mass into changes in resonant frequency. Appropriate functionalization of the sensor surface allows specific, label free detection for analytes of choice. In this work we have detected prostate specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker used in the early detection of prostate cancer, as a model system using immunospecific functional layers present on the resonator surfaces. We have also studied the surface chemistry in order to minimize non-specific binding during sensor functionalization and use. In addition, sandwich assay techniques have been investigated for use in secondary mass tagging in order to enhance sensor response for dilute analytes while still preserving specificity.