Drexel researchers develop rapid cantilever biosensor
Technology has applications from E. coli and anthrax to prostate cancer
The rapid detection of biothreats took a step forward this week with the announcement by a professor at Drexel University that he had developed a millimeter-size cantilever biosensor that can detect cells and proteins in trace samples and in only minutes. (This serves in contrast to existing conventional tests, which require twenty-four hours and a trip to a laboratory to boost the concentration of microbes to prepare them for analysis.) In addition to applications in the biothreat field — recent tests identified E. coli at almost record-low concentrations, and there are anthrax sensing apppliactiions — the sensor could also have wide applications in medical diagnostic testing of prostate cancer and can be used to analyze body fluids suchs as blood, urine, sputum, and spinal fluid.
How it works: The sensor features a vibrating cantilever, supported at one end and coated with antibodies. The antibodies are specific to the desired target, and when the target is present in a sample flowing past the sensor, it binds to the cantilever and changes the frequency of vibration so it can be read electronically. A commercial prototype of the sensor is anticipated to be completed in July, and the Drexel researchers have licensed Drexel’s technology to an unnamed company to commercialize the device.
