The present invention relates to the detection of analyte(s) of interest
in a test sample using a rupturable microcapsule biosensor. In general,
the microcapsule biosensor includes a microcapsule comprising a shell
encapsulating a detectable agent and further includes a probe that is
joined to the shell of the microcapsule. The present invention
contemplates generally using the microcapsule biosensor to determine if a
test sample contains an analyte of interest by exposing the microcapsule
biosensor to the test sample and allowing the probe to potentially bind
to the analyte. External force is applied to the microcapsule to rupture
the shell releasing the detectable agent and thereby indicating the
presence of the analyte of interest in the test sample.