A biosensor based on micromechanical interrogation of living cells

Living cells can be reliably cultured directly onto AFM cantilevers. The cells are inclined to grow on both sides of the surface, and the cantilevers must be treated to deter such two-sided growth. Preliminary data acquired with the AFM demonstrated that these integrated cells/cantilevers are capable of detecting the response of MDCK cells to different toxins, with response time on the order of several seconds. These results suggest the feasibility of real-time, rapid, and sensitive biomechanical sensors. The initial temperature results from the fluid chamber prototype indicate the potential for a low-cost dedicated system.