A Novel Lab-on-Tip Device for pico-Newton Lateral Force Measurement

We report the successful prototype development of a novel Lab-on-Tip device that provides a capability complementary to atomic force microscopy, namely, measurement of lateral forces with pico-Newton resolution. This Lab-on-Tip device is constructed by fabricating a vertical pole on a lateral cantilever beam. Micro/nanofluidic components can be incorporated on the tip to perform various biological analyses. The Lab-on-Tip device also offers a new level of functionality and will be a useful tool for various studies such as nanotribology, biomechanics and so on.