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Surface acoustic wave biosensors: a review
Kerstin Länge1, Bastian E Rapp, Michael Rapp
1Institute for Microstructure Technology, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 3670, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany. kerstin.laenge@imt.fzk.de
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|February 13, 2008
Summary
This review covers 20 years of surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensor development for sensitive liquid detection. Recent advancements integrate SAW biosensors into compact, fluidic systems for versatile diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Acoustic Biosensing
- Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
- Biomolecule Detection
Background:
- Surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensors have evolved significantly over two decades.
- Early SAW devices utilized horizontally polarized shear waves (HPSW) and surface transverse waves (STW).
- Later developments introduced Love wave devices to minimize signal attenuation in liquid media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review global advancements in SAW biosensor technology over 20 years.
- To highlight the development of sensitive detection methods for biorelevant molecules in liquids.
- To explore the integration of SAW biosensors into compact, portable systems.
Main Methods:
- Overview of different SAW device configurations (delay line, resonator, Love wave).
- Discussion of various sensing film strategies, from adsorbed antibodies to covalently bound layers.
- Examination of system integration with microfluidics and micromachined housings.
Main Results:
- SAW biosensors enable highly sensitive detection of molecules in aqueous solutions.
- Development of STW and Love wave devices improved performance in liquids.
- Integration into microfluidic systems enhances sample handling and system versatility.
Conclusions:
- SAW biosensors have matured into versatile tools for sensitive molecular detection.
- Integration with microfluidics and micromachining paves the way for portable diagnostic devices.
- Future applications include generic laboratory use and point-of-care diagnostics.
