QCMD
Unlock detailed and accurate measurements for your research and industrial needs with BioNavis advanced QCMD technology.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCMD)
QCMD technology is a powerful analytical tool used to measure minute changes in mass, viscoelastic properties, or morphology of films on a sensor´s surface. By leveraging the piezoelectric properties of quartz crystal sensors, QCMD instruments provide highly sensitive measurements. Selecting the right sensor type is crucial for achieving optimal results in your specific application.
The measurement principle of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technology involves harnessing the inherent properties of a quartz crystal resonator. When an alternating electric voltage is applied to the crystal, it undergoes mechanical oscillations at a specific frequency.
As molecules or thin films are deposited onto the surface of the sensor, they cause changes in mass, density, and viscoelastic properties. These alterations modify the resonant frequency and dissipation of the crystal. The resonant frequency (blue curve) shifts in proportion to the added mass, allowing for precise measurement of mass changes. Meanwhile, changes in dissipation (orange curve) reflect alterations in the energy dissipated during the crystal’s oscillation, providing insights into the viscoelastic properties of the deposited material.
By monitoring both the frequency shift and dissipation changes over time, researchers can obtain comprehensive information about the adsorbed layers, including their mass, thickness, rigidity, and solvent content. This capability makes QCMD a powerful tool for studying processes such as thin film formation, biomolecular interactions, surface chemistry, and material characterization.
In research and industrial applications, QCMD technology plays a crucial role in fields ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to materials science and nanotechnology.
In the right side picture, you can see the frequency and dissipation changes during liposome injection as it spreads into a lipid bilayer on the sensor surface.
Advantages of QCMD
- Real-time measurement: Allows continuous monitoring of adsorption processes as they occur.
- Label-free approach: Preserves the physiological relevance by avoiding the need for external tags or markers.
- Quantitative analysis: Provides precise measurement of the bound mass on surfaces.
- High sensitivity: Utilizes high frequency QCM sensors (HFF-QCM) for unparalleled detection capabilities.
- Phase behaviour profiling: Study phase behavior of lipids, liquid crystals, and polymers.
- Complex media compatibility: Works with various media including milk and seawater, expanding the application range.
- Wet mass measurement: Includes liquid incorporated in the film.
- Layer softness and viscoelasticity: Assesses the mechanical properties of thin films.
- Layer thickness characterization: Measures and monitors the thickness of layers deposited on surfaces.
- Versatility: Effective in both gas and liquid environments, making it adaptable to different experimental conditions.
- Electrochemical combination: Can be combined with electrochemistry using a dedicated cell, enhancing experimental versatility.
- High temperature and high pressure modules: Suitable for extreme conditions, allowing measurements at elevated temperatures.
- User-friendly: Features fast and easy-to-use instruments and software, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for users.