QCMD devices monitor the the dissipation and the resonance frequency of a quartz crystal as a function of surface coverage of thin films that can be absorbed on the crystal and characterized like this.

The technique itself is complementary to surface plasmon  resonance devices like the "Biocore" technology.

Q-Sense systems are mainly used for characterization of bio-interfaces. Samples range from peptides – proteins - cells. With QCM-D, two parameters - frequency and dissipation - are monitored simultaneosuly, in real-time, as molecular layers form on the sensor surface.

For all applications, Q-Sense systems enable:

• Mass measurements. Nanogram sensitivity, less than 1% of a protein monolayer is detectable. 
• Structural properties. Simultaneously determine the orientation of molecules at the surface. 
• Real time, in situ and label free. Study kinetics, pH dependence etc. using the native molecule. 
• Flexible choice of substrate. Metals, polymers; any material that can be applied as a thin film can be used.

The Device is located at the

Spatz Lab, Physical Chemistry Departement

INF 253

69120 Heidelberg