Method for detecting chemical interactions between naturally occurring biological analyte molecules

Abstract

A method of using micromechanical devices as sensors for detecting chemical interactions between naturally occurring bio-polymers which are non-identical binding partners is provided. The method is useful whether the reactions occur through electrostatic forces or other forces. Induced stress, heat, or change in mass is detected where a binding partner is placed on a cantilever for possible reaction with an analyte molecules (i.e., a non-identical binding partner). The method is particularly useful in determining DNA hybridization but may be useful in detecting interaction in any chemical assay.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of detecting the chemical interaction between naturally occurring bio-polymers which are non-identical binding partners comprising: 
 preparing the surface of at least one cantilever with a binding partner;    introducing analyte molecules to said surface of said at least one cantilever;    detecting a physical or chemical change on said at least one cantilever.    
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said analyte molecules are DNA.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detecting step comprises detecting induced stress on said at least one cantilever.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said detecting step detects induced stress resulting from electrostatic forces between said binding partner and said analyte molecules.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said detecting steps detects induced stress resulting from heat produced through the interaction of said analyte molecules with said binding partner.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detecting step comprises detecting heat on said at least one cantilever.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detecting step comprises detecting mass on said at least one cantilever.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said chemical interaction is a non-covalent chemical interaction.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said chemical interaction is a non-catalytic chemical interaction.  
     
     
         10 . A method of detecting the occurrence of a chemical interaction between naturally occurring bio-polymers which are non-identical binding partners comprising: 
 making at least one cantilever;    preparing the surface of said at least one cantilever with a first material which can act as a binding partner to a second material;    introducing said second material to said at least one cantilever;    detecting a physical or chemical change on said at least one cantilever.    
     
     
         11 . A method of detecting hybridization comprising: 
 preparing the surface of at least one cantilever with a binding partner; 
 introducing DNA to said at least one cantilever;  
 detecting stress induced on said at least one cantilever.  
   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said detecting step detects induced stress resulting from electrostatic forces.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said detecting step comprises measuring relative motion of said cantilever by reflecting a laser beam off of said at least one cantilever both before and after said introducing step.