Ultrasensitive Detection of Cu²⁺ Using a Microcantilever Sensor Modified with L-Cysteine Self-Assembled Monolayer

A microcantilever was modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of L-cysteine for the sensitively and selectively response to Cu(II) ions in aqueous solution. The microcantilever undergoes bending due to sorption of Cu(II) ions. The interaction of Cu(II) ions with the L-cysteine on the cantilever is diffusion controlled and does not follow a simple Langmuir adsorption model. A concentration of 10^-10 M Cu(II) was detected in a fluid cell using this technology. Other cations, such as Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺, did not respond with a significant deflection, indicating that this L-cysteine-modified cantilever responded selectively and sensitively to Cu(II).