Analytical method and device utilizing magnetic materials

A method for analyzing a target substance in a sample, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a magnetic material having its surface modified with recognizable molecules to capture a target substance in a sample;
• b) adding the magnetic material to the sample for the recognizable molecules thereon to capture the target substance in the sample;
• c) using a magnetic field to draw the magnetic material to the surface of an sensing region of an acoustics sensor to produce an acoustic effect thereon, wherein said surface of the sensing region has been modified with substances which can prevent non-specific binding;
• and
• d) converting the acoustic effect into the amount of the target substance in the sample.