We present a fibre-optic-based device for the automated readout of microcantilever arrays for fast microorganism growth\r\ndetection.We determined the ability of our device to track shifts in resonance frequency due to an increase in mass on the cantilever\r\nsurface or changes in mechanical stiffness. The resonance frequency response of 7 �µm thick agarose-functionalised cantilevers was\r\ntracked as humidity levels were varied revealing a mass responsivity of ~51�±1 pg/Hz. The resonance response of microcantilevers\r\ncoated with Aspergillus niger (A. niger) spores was monitored for >48 h revealing a growth detection time of >4 h. The growth\r\nof mycelium along the cantilevers surface is seen to result in an increase in resonance frequency due to the reinforcement of\r\nthe cantilever structure. The use of our fibre optic detection technique allows data to be recorded continuously and faster than\r\npreviously reported.
Loading....