Highly sensitive microcantilever biosensors with enhanced sensitivity for detection of human papilloma virus infection

This paper demonstrates a piezoresistive microcantilever biosensor for a potential of the early detection of HPV infection. Gold was patterned on the top surface of the microcantilever to define the sensing area. Then, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was coated on the gold surface for the attachment of a gold binding protein (GBP) which was functionally activated with carboxyl groups and amine groups to bind probe molecules such as antibodies, oligonucleotide probes, DNA, and proteins. The surface-activated magnetic beads were introduced to the sensing area with DNA fragments of the HPV-infected cells. The magnetic force was induced to the surface-activated magnetic beads bound with probe molecules and HPV DNA fragments by placing a permanent magnet. The electrical signal output measured from the piezoresistive sensor integrated in the microcantilever was amplified 1000 times compared with non-HPV solution with a high SN ratio. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.