Biomimetic diamond MEMS sensors based on odorant-binding proteins: Sensors validation through an autonomous electronic system

Abstract

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) have been considered one of the best candidates for conceiving a biosensor to detect biochemical molecules and for odor sensor applications. In the same way, MEMS sensors for chemical and biological applications proved to be a good option for applications requiring high sensitivity. In this context, micro-cantilever sensor is one of the most promising micromechanical sensor. In this paper a grafting method, compatible with MEMS technology, was used for grafting porcine OBPs on polycrystalline diamond cantilevers. These sensors have been tested, for the first time, in combination with an autonomous dedicated electronic system developed to automatically detect sensors response signals. Electronic detection of binding 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) to OBP was demonstrated.