MEMS biosensor for detection of Hepatitis A and C viruses in serum

Resonant microcantilever arrays are developed for the purpose of label-free and real-time analyte monitoring and biomolecule detection. MEMS cantilevers made of electroplated nickel are functionalized with Hepatitis antibodies. Hepatitis A and C antigens at different concentrations are introduced in undiluted bovine serum. All preparation and measurement steps are carried out in the liquid within a specifically designed flowcell without ever drying the cantilevers throughout the experiment. Both actuation and sensing are done remotely and therefore the MEMS cantilevers have no electrical connections, allowing for easily disposable sensor chips. Actuation is achieved using an electromagnet and the interferometric optical sensing is achieved using laser illumination and embedded diffraction gratings at the tip of each cantilever. Resonant frequency of the cantilevers in dynamic motion is monitored using a self-sustaining closed-loop control circuit and a frequency counter. Specificity is demonstrated by detecting both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C antigens and their negative controls. This is the first report of Hepatitis antigen detection by resonant cantilevers exposed to undiluted serum. A dynamic range in excess of 1000 and with a minimum detectable concentration limit of 0.1ng/ml (1.66pM) is achieved for both Hepatitis A and C. This result is comparable to labeled detection methods such as ELISA.