Microcantilever Biosensors

Microcantilever biosensors based on atomic force microscope have the advantages of label-free, rapid, real-time, and high sensitivity detection features. Therefore, microcantilever biosensors can be applied in the fields of biomedicine, environmental monitoring, food production and military defenses. Microcantilever biosensors have become the focus of scientific research. In this paper, we review the working principle, excitation method and detection mechanism of microcantilever biosensors. Preview reviews about the microcantilever biosensors mainly focuse on the progress of applications, but lack of comprehensive and systematic introduction on detection methods. Herein, we not only systematically analyze eight detection methods, but also introduce several typical sizes, appearance and "heat mode" of microcantilever biosensors. So far, these have not been reported in literatures. In order to realize specific detection and improve sensitivity of microcantilever sensors, we summarize the surface modification methods of microcantilever sensors and review the latest applications of microcantilever biosensors. Furthermore, we introduce a new kind of self-actuating and self-sensing microcantilever biosensors. The prospective of microcantilever biosensors is also discussed in this paper.