Patent ID: 7892759

Claim:
A method for detecting an analyte via a sensor configured to sense mass, the method comprising: immobilizing first recognition molecules to a surface of the sensor, wherein the first recognition molecules are bindable to the analyte, the sensor comprising: a piezoelectric layer comprising a proximate end and a distal end; a non-piezoelectric layer comprising a proximate end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer is coupled to at least a portion of the non-piezoelectric layer such that the piezoelectric layer and the non-piezoelectric layer are not coextensive; a base portion coupled to the proximate end of the piezoelectric layer, wherein the base portion is not attached to the proximate end of the non-piezoelectric layer; and electrodes operatively associated with the piezoelectric layer; via a first exposure, exposing the sensor, having the first recognition molecules immobilized thereon, to the analyte; via a second exposure subsequent to the first exposure, exposing the sensor to second recognition molecules; and determining an amount of total mass of material accumulated on the sensor, wherein the total mass comprises an amount of mass accumulated on the sensor resulting from the first exposure and the second exposure; and determining if analyte has been detected in accordance with the determined amount of total mass.