SfP – 981786

Development of a novel sensing technique based on nanomechanics for rapid detection of bioagents

Short Title:

Bioagents detection

Project Co-Directors:

Roberto Raiteri, University of Genova, Genova, Italy (NPD)

Yael Nemirovsky, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

Itamar Willner, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Petr Skladal, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Vladimir Zaitsev, Kiev Taras Shevchenko University, Kiev, Ukraine

 

Short Introduction to the Project

Microcantilever sensors are a new type of platform that is currently being developed based on microfabrication MEMS/NEMS technology. Microcantilevers operate on the principle of detecting either the nanomechanical bending resulting from surface stress or detecting changes in the cantilever resonance frequency due to adsorbed species.

Microfabricated cantilevers have been used as transducers for detecting cells, proteins, heavy metals, and other chemical and biological species with high selectivity and sensitivity. In particular it is possible to immobilize antibodies to detect the specific antigen, to detect active growth of E-coli and discriminate single point mutations in oligonucleotide sequences. Capabilities of current microfabrication technology allow the development of arrays of cantilevers making possible the simultaneous detection of multiple species. This new class of generic biosensors were reviewed by R. Raiteri, M. Grattarola, H.-J. Butt, P. Skládal, “Micromechanical cantilever-based biosensors”, Sensors and Actuators B 79, 115-126, 2001 and more recently by N. V. Lavrik, M. J. Sepaniak, P. G. Datskos, "Cantilever transducers as a platform for chemical and biological sensors", Review of scientific instruments, Vol.75 (7), pp.2229-2253, 2004.

The goal of the proposed research is to develop a new sensing device capable of rapid detection of bioagents in ambient environment. As signal transducers, silicon microcantilevers are implemented to provide a low-cost and sensitive sensing platform. The project addresses the detection of three classes of bioagent: toxins, viruses, and bacteria. For each class of bioagents, suitable bioreceptors are used which are immobilized on the cantilever surface.

Within the framework of this project NEW science and technology will be developed for the following:

  1. Development of silicon/porous silicon cantilever arrays, as nanomechanical transducers
  2. Development of surface modification and immobilization techniques for bio agent receptors on model silicon/silicon oxide surfaces and newly developed cantilever surfaces
  3. Characterization of cantilever surface for activity of the immobilized bioreceptors
  4. Measurement of cantilever bending and frequency shifts resulting from target-receptor binding
  5. Development of enhancement methods based on nanopores and nanospheres to increase the sensor sensitivity.
  6. Feasibility study for scaling down the device from the laboratory bench scale to a portable device.

All the above points refer to novel technology and scientific aspects, thus making this project a high risk/high impact industrial project.

In summary, the overall project objective is to establish a reliable nanomechanics platform, based on arrays of silicon and or a combination of silicon and porous silicon cantilevers, for the development of portable sensitive devices, capable to detect rapidly and selectively a number of different pathogens and biological agents (bacteria, viruses, toxins).

Abstract of Research

The overall project objective is to establish a reliable nanomechanics based platform for the development of portable sensitive devices capable to detect rapidly and selectively a number of different pathogens and biological agents (bacteria, viruses, toxins). Selected receptors will be immobilized on the gold or silicon (porous or non porous) side and the cantilever response due to the target receptor binding will be measured. Amplification of signal response is proposed to be achieved using a magnetic field and magnetic nanoparticles.

Major Objectives

Main research objectives are:

􀂾 Development of silicon/porous silicon cantilever arrays, as nanomechanical transducers

􀂾 Development of surface modification and immobilization techniques for bio agent receptors on model silicon/silicon oxide surfaces and newly developed cantilever surfaces

􀂾 Characterization of cantilever surface for activity of the immobilized bioreceptors

􀂾 Measurement of cantilever bending and frequency shifts resulting from target-receptor binding

􀂾 Development of enhancement methods based on nanopores and nanospheres to increase the sensor sensitivity.

􀂾 Feasibility study for scaling down the device from the laboratory bench scale to a portable device.