Biofouling Removal and Protein Detection Using a Hypersonic Resonator.
Shuting Pan1, Hongxiang Zhang1, Wenpeng Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology & Instruments and ‡College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072, China.
ACS Sensors
|July 22, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrodynamic method using hypersonic resonators to eliminate nonspecific binding (NSB) in biosensors. This approach effectively removes unwanted proteins, enhancing sensor accuracy and enabling dual-functionality for detection.
Area of Science:
- Biosensor Technology
- Surface Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Nonspecific binding (NSB) is a significant challenge in surface-based biosensors, leading to inaccurate results.
- Existing NSB mitigation strategies often increase background noise or are transducer-specific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile and effective hydrodynamic method for removing NSBs from biosensor surfaces.
- To investigate the use of microfabricated hypersonic resonators for NSB removal.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microfabricated hypersonic resonator with a 2.5 GHz resonant frequency to generate controlled microvortexes.
- Employed finite element method (FEM) simulations to analyze adhesive and cleaning forces.
- Experimentally validated NSB removal on resonator surfaces and other substrates.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated selective removal of NSB proteins using vortex-induced cleaning forces.
- Confirmed the feasibility of hydrodynamic NSB removal through simulations and experiments.
- Developed a dual-functional biosensor system capable of both NSB removal and protein detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrodynamic approach offers a simple, versatile, and compatible solution for NSB removal in various sensor systems.
- Hypersonic resonators provide a unique platform for combined NSB mitigation and gravimetric sensing.
