Magnetic particle enhanced microcantilever biosensor for rapid and Sensitive E. Coli detection

This paper presents a novel concept for integrating a magnetic microparticle sandwich assay onto a microcantilever beam, towards rapid and sensitive detection of E. Coli. The gold coated surface of the microcantilever beam and the surface of superparamagnetic microparticles are functionalized with anti-E. coli IgG so that they bind only in presence of and via the E. coli. An external magnetic field produced by an electromagnet is used to enhance the microcantilever deflection, and an optical lever method is used to sensitively detect it.