Inaccuracy in the Detection of Molecules Using Two Microcantilever-Based Methods

Abstract

Based on mass-loading effect on a microcantilever, there are two approaches for sensing the presence of molecules: dynamic and static methods. In this paper, we demonstrate that the two methods actually use the same form of relationships for their sensing purposes and, if the designed adhesion region of a cantilever is only partially occupied by molecules, then neither method can be applied to accurately determine the number of molecules adsorbed.