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Have a look at QSense Initiator in this short video.
initiator

phenomena

  • Adsorption
  • Desorption
  • Binding and interactions
  • Swelling
  • Collapse
  • Degradation, corrosion and etching

Get started with QCM-D

A cost-efficient solution
Accurate and reliable qualitative analysis

Key features

  • 2-harmonic QCM-D with QSense Decay technology

    Measure mass and thickness and get additional qualitative data on viscoelastic properties
  • Simplified system

    Easy to set-up and get started with QCM-D
  • 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 SOFTWARE

Initiator gif

The QSense software is crafted to optimize your utilization of QCM-D measurements. QSoft serves as the tool that gathers and presents your data seamlessly.

measurement conditions

  • Flow mode
  • Stagnant mode
  • Liquid phase
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A closer look

Let's dive into the specifications of QSense Initiator. You can also compare the data to our other instruments to find what you are looking for. 

Compare QSense range

Measurement range and capacity

Measurement channels
Working temperature 20 to 45 °C
Sensors (frequency range) 5 MHz (1-72)
Number of measured
harmonics
2

Sample and fluidics 

Minimum sample volume, stagnant mode ~ 40 μl
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 4 datapoints per second (each datapoint represents an f and D value)
   LOD (3 x noise) -
Sensitivity/limit of detection and noise See the graph below
   Minimum noise -
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. 

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

See more here

Explore our sensors

QSoft software

The software for QSense is designed for you to make the most of your QCM-D measurements. QSoft is the software collecting your data and presenting it to you. 

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


Recommended
  • 1920×1080 Full HD screen resolution.
  • At least 8 GB RAM
  • At least 50 GB HD space
  • Core i5 5th generation Intel (or comparable) processor or better

Simplify your work

Our accessories can simplify the work in the lab for you. 

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

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."

Johal Malkiat-1

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."

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

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

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

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

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 optimising the parameters for deposition of thin films."

malmö universitet

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."

Learn more

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

  • QSense
How Excipients, Surfaces and Formulation Conditions Affect Therapeutic Proteins
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
Basics of QCM-D
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
How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability
Guide

How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability

9 steps to eliminate error sources and optimize reproducibility

Download
  • QSense
The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D
Overview

The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D

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

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D in Drug Formulation and Storage
Case Study

QCM-D in Drug Formulation and Storage

Analyze and quantify protein adsorption to surfaces.

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D vs SPR
Overview

QCM-D vs SPR

Learn more about the differences between the two methods to find out which you should use.

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D vs other QCMs
Overview

QCM-D vs other QCMs

Let this brief overview guide you to your most suitable choice of QCM.

Get it
  • QSense
What is Piezoelectricity?
Overview

What is Piezoelectricity?

Bone, wood and quartz are all piezoelectric materials. Learn about piezoelectricity and how it works

Get it
  • QSense
How QCM Results are Influenced by Layer Distribution
Overview

How QCM Results are Influenced by Layer Distribution

The distribution of the measured layer is key to your results. Discover why and how to handle it.

Get it
  • QSense
Why the Resonance Frequency of a QCM Sensor is 5MHz
Overview

Why the Resonance Frequency of a QCM Sensor is 5MHz

What determines the value of the fundamental resonance frequency? In this overview, we explain the theory behind the number.

Get it
  • QSense
Characterization of Polymer-based Systems
Overview

Characterization of Polymer-based Systems

Analyze layer build-up, conformation and molecular interaction with QSense QCM-D

Get it
  • QSense
Using QCM-D in the Food Industry
Webinar

Using QCM-D in the Food Industry

Learn more about QCM-D in food industry with studies of shelf life from Cornell University.

Go there
  • QSense
What is Biocompatibility?
Overview

What is Biocompatibility?

In this overview we explain how biocompatibility is defined and give examples of what the property entails.

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

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

Learn what information the overtones offer in this overview.

Get it
  • QSense
Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D
Webinar

Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D

Watch our webinar on Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D where we will discuss thin films of cellulose nanofibrils development, and their characterization. 

Go there
  • QSense
Analysis of Surfactant-Surface Interactions with QSense
Case Study

Analysis of Surfactant-Surface Interactions with QSense

Find out how to analyze surfactant interaction with surfaces at the nanoscale.

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D as a Screening Tool for Protein Adsorption
Case Study

QCM-D as a Screening Tool for Protein Adsorption

Proteins tend to passively adsorb to surfaces via hydrophobic interactions. In this application note we show how protein adsorption can be characterized with QCM-D.

Get it
  • QSense
Analyzing Vapor Uptake and Release with QCM-D
Case Study

Analyzing Vapor Uptake and Release with QCM-D

Read about how QCM-D can be used to analyse how water uptake and release affects film thickness

Get it
  • QSense
Surface Science – a Field Rich in Science and Applications
Webinar

Surface Science – a Field Rich in Science and Applications

Listen to Prof. Bengt Kasemo in this webinar on Surface Science - a field rich in science and applications.

Go there
  • QSense
QCM-D Data Analysis
Guide

QCM-D Data Analysis

We put together guidelines for you on how to evaluate which method to use, and what happens if you choose the wrong approach.

Download
  • QSense
 QCM-D as a Tool to Study the Binding of Viruses
Webinar

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

Hear researcher Gustaf Rydell, on how they used QCM-D to study interactions between virus particles and membrane associated glycolipids.

Go there
  • QSense
Key Publications on the Formation of Supported Lipid Bilayers
Overview

Key Publications on the Formation of Supported Lipid Bilayers

We gathered 8 research studies where QCM-D was used as a central analysis method.

Get it
  • QSense
Characterization of Surfaces and Surface Reactions in Energy Storage
Webinar

Characterization of Surfaces and Surface Reactions in Energy Storage

Learn how QCM-D can be used to characterize surfaces and reactions for energy storage from Dr. Archana Jaiswal, Nanoscience Instruments.

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

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

Watch our interview with Prof. Nam-Joon Cho, Nanyang Technological University, about the SALB-project.

Watch
  • QSense
QSense Etching Guide
Guide

QSense Etching Guide

Learn how to use QSense technology for assessment of detergent etching properties.

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

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

Listen to the talk from Joshua A. Jackman, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University.

Go there
  • QSense
Monitoring of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Build-up and Crosslinking using QCM-D
Case Study

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

In this note we show how PEM build-up and crosslinking can be characterized with QCM-D

Get it
  • QSense
Biomembrane Models and Interactions Therein
Webinar

Biomembrane Models and Interactions Therein

Watch the talk from Marité Cárdenas, Professor, Biomedical Science at Malmö University on biomembrane models.

Go there
  • QSense
Screening Nanoparticle - Protein Interactions
Case Study

Screening Nanoparticle - Protein Interactions

Nanomaterials may interact with, and have adverse effects on, e.g., biological systems. Here we show how a model system can be used as an early screening method to characterize the nanoparticle uptake and biodurability

Get it
  • QSense
The Sauerbrey Relation
Overview

The Sauerbrey Relation

Time to learn how the Sauerbrey relation is derived and what the parameters mean.

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  • QSense
QSense Cleaning Profile
Guide

QSense Cleaning Profile

Explore a new way to evaluate product performance of detergents with our step-by-step guide.

Download
  • QSense
QCM-D Studies of Engineered Nanoparticles
Overview

QCM-D Studies of Engineered Nanoparticles

In this overview we explore three examples of nanoparticle analysis with QCM-D.

Get it
  • QSense
Analytical Methods to Characterize Lipid-based Systems
Overview

Analytical Methods to Characterize Lipid-based Systems

In this overview, Prof. Nam-Joon Cho, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has compiled a list of the analytical methods he uses in his research to characterize lipid-based systems.

Get it
  • QSense
Characterization of Biomolecular Interactions
Overview

Characterization of Biomolecular Interactions

Learn how biomolecular interactions can be analyzed using QSense® QCM-D technology and what information you can get.

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D Analysis in Virus-related Research
Overview

QCM-D Analysis in Virus-related Research

We collected examples of scientific publications in basic and applied research for you.

Get it
  • QSense
Determining Cleansing Efficacy of Elfan AT 84 using a QCM-D Assay
Webinar

Determining Cleansing Efficacy of Elfan AT 84 using a QCM-D Assay

Hear Fredrik Andersson, Scientist at Global R&D, Nouryon, talk about how they used the QSense results to differentiate Elfan AT 84.

Go there
  • QSense
Analyze Surface-induced Complement Activation
Case Study

Analyze Surface-induced Complement Activation

In this note we show how QCM-D can be used to evaluate biomaterial immunogenicity

Get it
  • QSense
Adsorption and Aggregation of Monoclonal Antibodies at Silicone Oil-Water Interfaces
Webinar

Adsorption and Aggregation of Monoclonal Antibodies at Silicone Oil-Water Interfaces

Learn more about adsorption and aggregation of monoclonal antibodies at silicone oil-water interfaces with Ph.D. Aadithya Kannan at Genentech.

Go there
  • QSense
 Characterization of Polymer Layer Swelling, Crosslinking and Collapse
Case Study

Characterization of Polymer Layer Swelling, Crosslinking and Collapse

Polymer brush response to ambient changes can be characterized with QCM-D. Here we show how

Get it
  • QSense
Analyzing Cleaning of Hard Surfaces with QSense
Case Study

Analyzing Cleaning of Hard Surfaces with QSense

Learn how to assess cleaning efficiency using model and standardized stains.

Get it
  • QSense
QSense Analysis in CMP
Overview

QSense Analysis in CMP

In this overview, we present how QSense® QCM-D technology can be used in molecule-surface interaction analysis and optimization of CMP related processes.

Get it
  • QSense
The Dissipation Factor in QCM-D Technology
Overview

The Dissipation Factor in QCM-D Technology

In this overview, we take a closer look at the behavior of the sensor oscillation at various types of loads and investigate what the D-factor reveals.

Get it
  • QSense
Temperature Stability in QCM Measurements
Overview

Temperature Stability in QCM Measurements

Achieve reliable and reproducible QCM measurements by controlling the temperature.

Get it
  • QSense
What is Dissipation?
Overview

What is Dissipation?

This is your chance to find out what it is, why it is important, and how it can be measured.

Get it
  • QSense
What is a Viscoelastic material?
Overview

What is a Viscoelastic material?

Ice, wood and a disks in the human spine are all viscoelastic materials. What does it really mean?

Get it
  • QSense
How to Generate Quality QCM-D Data
Guide

How to Generate Quality QCM-D Data

Follow our checklist for high-quality data and reproducible measurements.

Download
  • QSense
QCM-D vs other QCMs
White Paper

QCM-D vs other QCMs

We sort out the the differences between QCM methods to answer the question - does it matter which one I use?

Download
  • QSense
QCM-D Publications in Battery Research
List

QCM-D Publications in Battery Research

Explore our list of 33 recent publications that exemplify the usage of QCM-D technology in various aspects of battery research.

Get it
  • QSense
How to read a QCM Specification
Guide

How to read a QCM Specification

There are key parameters to keep an eye on when investing in a new QCM instrument. Learn what they mean, and why they are important.

Download
  • QSense
Dfind Basic Training Course
Webinar

Dfind Basic Training Course

Learn the basics of Dfind, get a walk-through of the software and watch two live demo examples.

Go there
  • QSense
Information Obtained with QSense QCM-D
Overview

Information Obtained with QSense QCM-D

We have summarized the parameters and processes that can be studied with QCM-D for you.

Get it
  • QSense
How to Characterize Lipid-Based Systems with QCM-D
Overview

How to Characterize Lipid-Based Systems with QCM-D

You get a brief overview of how to analyze lipid layer formation dynamics, structure and layer quality.

Get it
  • QSense
QCM-D in Research
List

QCM-D in Research

Explore the work of Prof. Nam-Joon Cho and his research group through their publications.

Get it
  • QSense
Biomaterials – Man-made Materials for Regenerative Medicine
Webinar

Biomaterials – Man-made Materials for Regenerative Medicine

Learn from Prof. Bengt Kasemo in this webinar on Biomaterials – man-made materials for regenerative medicine.

Go there