Northern Arizona University

Arizona Board of Regents, a Body Corporate

Other

Arizona State University

Cantimer, Inc.

Timothy L Porter

Michael P Eastman

Ray F Stewart

Timothy L Vail

Clay Macomber

The compositions and methods relate to an organic polymer-inorganic particle sensor material for detecting analytes. Interactions between the polymer and the particles are affected by the presence of analyte, which displaces the polymer and increases its free volume. This change in free volume can be detected, e.g., using an embedded piezoresistive microcantilever (EPM) sensor. Analytes that can be detected include noxious substances, such as hydrogen cyanide gas and carbon monoxide.

Microsensor material and methods for analyte detection

An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Embedded piezoelectric microcantilever sensors

An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes in a gaseous or liquid medium by monitoring the changes in impedance and thickness of a sensing element in the presence of the analyte is provided. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property of the sensing material to determine the presence and/or the amount of analyte present. An array of hybrid sensors dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Hybrid microcantilever sensors

An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever formed over and contacting a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected, is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America

Timothy L Porter