Statistical analysis of DNT detection using chemically functionalized microcantilever arrays
Publication: Research - peer-review › Journal article – Annual report year: 2012
The need for miniaturized and sensitive sensors for explosives detection is increasing in areas such as security and demining. Micrometer sized cantilevers are often used for label-free detection, and have previously been reported to be able to detect explosives. However, only a few measurements from 1 to 2 cantilevers have been reported, without any information on repeatability and reliability of the presented data. In explosive detection high reliability is needed and thus a statistical measurement approach needs to be developed and implemented. We have developed a DVD-based read-out system capable of generating large sets of cantilever data for vapor and liquid phase detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Gold coated cantilevers are initially functionalized with tetraTTF-calix[4]pyrrole molecules, specifically designed to bind nitro-aromatic compounds. The selective binding of DNT molecules on the chemically treated surfaces results in significant bending of the cantilevers and in a decrease of their resonant frequencies. We present averaged measurements obtained from up to 72 cantilevers being simultaneously exposed to the same sample. Compared to integrated reference cantilevers with non-selective coatings the tetraTTF-calix[4]pyrrole functionalized cantilevers reveal a uniform and reproducible behavior.
| Original language | English |
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| Journal | Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical |
| Publication date | 2012 |
| Volume | 171-172 |
| Pages | 1054-1059 |
| ISSN | 0925-4005 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published |
| Citations | Web of Science® Times Cited: 2 |
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Keywords
- Explosives detection, Cantilever sensor, DVD-ROM, Optical read-out, Calix[4]pyrrole, Tetrathiafulvalene
ID: 10101984