Patent ID: 8171795

Claim:
A method for detection of an airborne target analyte comprising the steps of: providing a millimeter-sized sensor comprising; a piezoelectric layer having a first end and a second end, the first end proximate to and attached to a first base; a non-piezoelectric layer having a first end and a second end, wherein: a portion of the non-piezoelectric layer overlaps and is attached to the piezoelectric layer; and the base is not attached to the non-piezoelectric layer; a recognition entity associated with the non-piezoelectric layer, wherein the combination of the piezoelectric layer, the non-piezoelectric layer, and the recognition entity comprising a cantilever portion; and electrodes operatively attached to the piezoelectric layer, wherein electrical stimulation from the electrodes causes the cantilever portion to oscillate; mounting the millimeter-sized sensor in an airflow; exposing the recognition entity of the cantilever to the target analyte in the airflow; measuring an oscillation frequency of the cantilever; and comparing the measured oscillation frequency to a baseline oscillation frequency to determine a frequency shift indicative of a presence of the target analyte on the recognition entity.