Mass sensitivity calculation of the protein layer using love wave SAW biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biosensing
• Surface Acoustic Waves

Background:

• Love waves, a type of surface acoustic wave (SAW), offer potential for detecting minute biological surface interactions.
• Biosensors are crucial for various applications, including diagnostics and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate a 155-MHz Love wave SAW biosensor.
• To compare its performance against a commercial surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor.
• To assess its capability in monitoring biological binding reactions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 155-MHz Love wave SAW biosensor.
• Calibration using glycerol-water solutions of known densities and viscosities.
• Comparison with a commercial SPR biosensor.
• Calculation of bound antibody mass per unit area.

Main Results:

• The Love wave SAW biosensor exhibited sensitivity equal to or greater than the SPR biosensor.
• The Love wave SAW biosensor could measure a significantly wider range of viscosities compared to SPR.
• Subtle changes in viscoelastic properties during biological binding were successfully monitored.

Conclusions:

• The Love wave SAW biosensor is a practical and effective tool for detecting biological surface interactions.
• It offers advantages in sensitivity and dynamic range over SPR biosensors.
• Its ability to monitor viscoelastic changes makes it versatile for various biosensing applications.