QCM-D

QSense Explorer

Discover the many possibilities of our most versatile and modular QCM-D instrument. QSense Explorer allows you to study molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces in real-time in a broad range of measurement conditions.

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Guide

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Discover QSense Explorer and all of its advantages in this 3 minutes long video.

phenomena

Adsorption
Desorption
Binding and interactions
Swelling
De-swelling, crosslinking and collapse
Degradation, corrosion and etching

Maximize your versatility

Explore different conditions

Combine QCM-D with other techniques

Key features

Measure mass, thickness, and viscoelastic properties of rigid and soft films

7-harmonic QCM-D with QSense Decay technology enables qualitative and quantitative analysis
Flexibility of manual procedures

Full freedom to interact during measurements and easy to change between different experimental set-ups
Measure in Extreme temperatures

Compatible with measurement chamber for the extended temperature range of 4-150°C
Most versatile

Allows for maximum experimental combinations and set-ups
Combine with other techniques

Allows you to combine QCM-D with electrochemistry, ellipsometry or microscopy using standard measurement chamber
Broadest offer of sensor surfaces and coatings

Set up model systems that are as close as possible to real-world conditions

Complete analysis set-up

QSOFT AND DFIND SOFTWARE

QSense software is tailored to help you maximize the potential of your QCM-D measurements. With QSoft capturing your data and Dfind simplifying your analysis, you can streamline your research process effortlessly.

measurement conditions

Flow mode
Stagnant mode
Gas phase Requires add-on
Liquid phase
Harsh chemicals
Low temperature Requires add-on
High temperature Requires add-on
Humidity Requires add-on
Variable pressure Requires customization
Inert surface Requires add-on

A closer look

Let's dive into the specifications of QSense Explorer. You can also compare it to other QSense instruments below to find what you are looking for.

Measurement range and capacity

Measurement channels	1
Working temperature	15 to 65 °C, 4 to 150 °C using accessory chamber (QSense High Temperature chamber)
Sensors (frequency range)	5 MHz (1-72)
Number of measured harmonics	7, allows for full viscoelastic modeling

Sample and fluidics

Minimum sample volume, stagnant mode	~ 40 μl ~ 10 μl using add-on module (QSense Open module)
Minimum sample volume, flow mode	~ 200 μl
Flow rates	25-150 μl/min applicable for QSense setup (Peristaltic pump settable to 0-1 ml/min)

Performance characteristics

Maximum time resolution	300 datapoints per second (each datapoint represents an f and D value)
LOD (3 x noise)	1.56 ng/cm2
Sensitivity/limit of detection and noise	See the graph below
Minimum noise	Frequency: 0.03 Hz Mass: 0.5 ng/cm² Dissipation: 11∙10^-9
Long-term stability*	Frequency: < 1 Hz/h Dissipation: < 0.15∙10^-6 Temperature: < 0.02˚C/h

* The temperature stability depends on variations in how the ambient affects the warming or cooling of the chamber. The specified temperature stability may not be reached if the room temperature changes more than ± 1° C, if there is a draft or a heat source nearby. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Optimal real-life performance

Applying a higher sample rate inevitably leads to higher noise and thus a compromised limit of detection (LOD). What aspect to prioritize depends on the studied surface interaction process. High time resolution may not be critical if very slow changes are studied, and a high measurement sensitivity may not be important if large changes are to be measured. With the 5 Speed-to-Noise modes you can select the right setting to maximize real-life performance for your measurement.

The below figure and table describe the real-measurement performance of QSense Explorer for each acquisition mode. This is much more interesting than maximum values in a specification to understand what to expect from your instrument in a real measurement situation.

Speed and limit detection2-1

Speed and limit of detection (LOD) per acquisition mode. Limit of detection is set to 1 S.D. of the baseline noise.

QSense-Explorer-LOD

Performance characteristics. Measurements were performed with QSX 303 SiO₂ sensors at 20°C temperature, and in deionized water at a flow of 15µL/min. Each measurement mode was measured for approximately 5 minutes.

Standard sensors

The sensor is at the heart of the QCM-D experiment. Browse the widest range of sensors on the market to find out which sensor material and coating is best suited for your research.

We offer over 50 standard sensors - from various metals, oxides and carbides to polymers, functionalized coatings and and standardized soils. Our sensors are developed and produced to provide you with stable, reliable and reproducible data. Full performance is ensured through extensive quality controls and guaranteed for one-time use according to the recommendations.

Customized sensors

Sensor materials and coatings based on your specific needs

Top suggestions

Stainless Steel SS2343

QSX 305

PS-Hydrophobic Polystyrene

See more here

QSoft and Dfind software

QSense softwares are designed for you to make the most out of your QCM-D measurements. QSoft is collecting your data whereas Dfind makes your analysis easier.

Dfind features

A complete analysis toolbox
One software for all your needs
Intuitive interface
Dfind supports you all the way through your analysis process - from data preparation to final reporting
Guided modelling
To take you through your analysis step by step
Material library
Configuring your modelling setup is easy, just select your sample material from the list
Autoplotting
Visualizes your results throughout the whole analysis
Smart tools
Dfind offers several analysis methods including shifts, rates and slopes to help you extract the information you need
Analyze all data in one go
To save your time, Dfind allows you to review, model and analyze multiple data sets in one go

Would you like to know more about the details of Dfind and learn how the subscription works?

Computer requirements

Required

PC with 64-bit Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 or 10
At least 1366×768 px screen resolution
At least 4 GB RAM

Add more possibilities

QSense Explorer is special. Our most versatile QCM-D instrument has a removable flow module that can be exchanged to to fit your research needs. We have selected a few extras for you to widen your possibilities, and you can find more choices below.

Electrochemistry Module

For simultaneous QCM-D and electrochemistry measurements on the same surface. Enables cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements to explore polymer behavior, electrostatic interactions, corrosion, etc.

Ellipsometry Module

Enables simultaneous QCM-D and ellipsometry measurements on the same surface, which allows for quantification of solvent content in the film. It also gives a refined analysis of the morphological changes of the adsorbed film.

Window Module

The Window Module allows optical access to the sensor surface through a sapphire window. It enables experiments with UV-induced reactions and when used in the QSense Explorer chamber, the compact design also enables microscopy studies of reactions on the sensor.

High Temperature Chamber

With the High Temperature Chamber you can perform measurements in an extended temperature range of 4-150°C.

Configure QSense Explorer with accessories & modules in our Instrument Selector!

What others say

Our instruments are present at many prestigious universities and research facilities worldwide. Take a minute to find out what others say about QSense.

citat8

Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy on QSense

"We use the QSense Explorer and Analyzer systems. We could get started rather quickly, thanks to the ease of using the systems."

Dr Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

"We spent time to understand different ways to customize the sensor chips, assay configuration, and flow routines to rational design of nanoplasmonic and nanopatterned sensors. Have had a great experience so far."

citat8

Marité Cárdenas on QSense

"QSense instruments are a great tool for our biophysical research. They enable rapid screening for biomolecular interaction at lipid bilayers and also allow optimizing the parameters for deposition of thin films."

Professor Dr. Marité Cárdenas, Health and Society, Malmö University

"The instrument is easy to use, and has a long working life as long as you follow the maintenance instructions! The technical staff at Biolin Scientific are a pleasure to work with: They are nice and always give quick feedback and support."

citat8

Kenichi Sakai on QSense

"We regard QCM-D as a valuable measuring tool due to its high sensitivity and stability and find it applicable for versatile studies because of its availabilities of sensors with different types of surfaces. In this context I would say QCM-D is the best suitable solution for simulating a variety of nanoscale interaction behaviors both real-time & in-situ."

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

"We are working on academic research in the field of colloid and interface chemistry and our main work is synthesis of novel surfactants and characterization of their properties. We use QCM-D as a must-tool to comprehend molecular adsorption/desorption behaviors specifically observed at a solid-liquid interface."

citat8

Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

"We can monitor the mass change of our system in real-time. I can tell you that for every electron moved, this amount of mass changed. That’s powerful. You can’t really get that with any other system."

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

"We use the QSense high temperature model that allows us to investigate polyelectrolyte complexes and their response to temperature. We’re also using the electrochemistry module so we can run our standard electrochemical measurements at the same time as we run the QCM-D."

citat8

Malkiat Johal on QSense

"I have found QSense to be one of the best techniques for an undergraduate lab because it’s turnkey and it requires very little maintenance."

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

"The operating principles are straightforward and the students can focus on the science. And so, that’s something that we have been really happy with, it really works in this kind of setting. It’s an ideal method for an undergraduate surface science lab."

Learn more

We have gathered all our in-depth knowledge associated with QSense Explorer. Browse around amongst guides, overviews, and white papers to find a topic of interest.

QSense

Webinar

How Excipients, Surfaces and Formulation Conditions Affect Therapeutic Proteins

Can QCM-D quantify how surfactants affect protein-surface interaction? Watch this webinar with Dr. Archana Jaiswal to find out more.

Go there

QSense

Webinar

Basics of QCM-D

Learn the fundamentals of the technology, its possibilities and limitations and get a deeper understanding of nanometer layers.

Go there

QSense

Guide

How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability

9 steps to eliminate error sources and optimize reproducibility

Download

QSense

Overview

The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D

Learn the fundamentals of how the technologies work, and what is the difference between them.

Biolin Scientific China

German Webshop

In a hurry?

phenomena

Key features

Measure mass, thickness, and viscoelastic properties of rigid and soft films

Flexibility of manual procedures

Measure in Extreme temperatures

Most versatile

Combine with other techniques

Broadest offer of sensor surfaces and coatings

measurement conditions

A closer look

Measurement range and capacity

Sample and fluidics

Performance characteristics

Optimal real-life performance

Top suggestions

See more here

QSoft and Dfind software

Dfind features

Computer requirements

Required

Recommended

Add more possibilities

Electrochemistry Module

Ellipsometry Module

Window Module

High Temperature Chamber

What others say

Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy on QSense

Dr Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

Marité Cárdenas on QSense

Professor Dr. Marité Cárdenas, Health and Society, Malmö University

Kenichi Sakai on QSense

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

Malkiat Johal on QSense

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

Learn more

How Excipients, Surfaces and Formulation Conditions Affect Therapeutic Proteins

Basics of QCM-D

How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability

The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D

QCM-D in Drug Formulation and Storage

QCM-D vs SPR

QCM-D vs other QCMs

What is Piezoelectricity?

How QCM Results are Influenced by Layer Distribution

Why the Resonance Frequency of a QCM Sensor is 5MHz

Characterization of Polymer-based Systems

Using QCM-D in the Food Industry

What is Biocompatibility?

Why it is Useful to use Multiple Overtones in QCM Measurements?

Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D

Analysis of Surfactant-Surface Interactions with QSense

Getting Started with QSense Dfind

Data Modeling in QSense Dfind

QCM-D as a Screening Tool for Protein Adsorption

Analyzing Vapor Uptake and Release with QCM-D

Surface Science – a Field Rich in Science and Applications

QCM-D Data Analysis

QSense Explorer Online Demo

QCM-D as a Tool to Study the Binding of Viruses

Key Publications on the Formation of Supported Lipid Bilayers

Characterization of Surfaces and Surface Reactions in Energy Storage

Development of a New Method for the Formation of SLBs on Solid Support using QSense QCM-D

QCM-D Technology: From Fundamental Membrane Biophysics to Translational Applications

QSense Etching Guide

QCM-D Characterization of Antimicrobial Lipid Interactions with Supported Lipid Bilayers: Towards Antiviral Applications in the Biomedical and Agricultural Sectors

Monitoring of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Build-up and Crosslinking using QCM-D

Biomembrane Models and Interactions Therein

Screening Nanoparticle - Protein Interactions

The Sauerbrey Relation

QSense Cleaning Profile

QCM-D Studies of Engineered Nanoparticles

Analytical Methods to Characterize Lipid-based Systems

Characterization of Biomolecular Interactions

QCM-D Analysis in Virus-related Research