Microcantilevers: Sensing chemical interactions via mechanical motion

A device that comprise emerging sensor platforms with straightforward sensing mechanisms is micromechanical and a molecular adsorption onto the sensing element is typically a cantilever. Microcantilever devices respond to chemical stimuli and can be operated in air, vacuum, or liquid. The microcantilever-based sensor technology's rapid growth parallels advancements in micromachining methodologies. It is also a response to the need for more sensitive and selective detection of airborne and waterborne toxic, and pathogenic substances. This review has a purpose to critically examine the current state of theory, modes detection, design considerations, and innovative applications of this microcantilever. Meanwhile, in order to become competitive with existing commercial sensing technologies, microcantilever sensors must provide faster, cheaper, more sensitive, rugged, and reliable analyses, as well as easy to operate and field deployable.