Microdevices for biomolecular detection

Summary form only given. Our research focuses on using silicon microfabrication to develop quantitative, high throughput and realtime techniques for measuring biomolecular interactions. Over the last year, we have developed a new detection method where specific biomolecules adsorb to the walls of a suspended microchannel resonator and thereby lower its resonant frequency. Confining the fluid to the inside of the resonator significantly increases sensitivity by eliminating high damping and viscous drag. It also enables direct integration with conventional microfluidic systems and allows the resonator to be actuated by electrostatic forces. In this presentation, I will introduce the resonator, show recent progress towards achieving its fundamental limit of detection, and outline a path towards high throughput measurement for systems biology.