Fig. 3
Networks of connectivity, which are discontinuous with each other and with the hinge region inhibit force generation and propagation. a The arrangement of capture molecules (perpendicular sticks) with strips transverse to the long axis of a cantilever sensor creating mechanical networks, which are discontinuous with each other and with the hinge region. b Shows the corresponding mechanical force generated (red). c Schematic representation of capture molecules (perpendicular sticks) arranged continuously from the hinge region and terminating just before the center (170 µm) of the cantilever sensor. Second, capture molecules arranged continuously from the free-end of the cantilever sensor and terminating just before the center (170 µm) of the cantilever sensor. d The corresponding mechanical force obtained when the capture molecules were arranged continuously from the hinge region and terminating just before the center (red) as well as arranged continuously from its free-end and terminating just before the center (gray). In a and c, the uncoated areas on the cantilevers (yellow orange) were passivated to block nonspecific interactions. In b and d, the shaded areas represent the 3 min time frame during which the phosphate-buffered saline solution was injected without analytes to establish a baseline. The negative signal is associated with compressive mechanical force on the gold top surface causing the cantilever to bend down and the reference signal is shown in black. The results demonstrate that connectivity of capture molecules with each other and with the hinge region is key to the signal generation and propagation
