QCM-D

QSense Initiator

Get started with QCM-D technology using QSense Initiator. The instrument features core functions and produces high quality data allowing you to investigate molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces in real-time.

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Guide

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Have a look at QSense Initiator in this short video.

phenomena

Adsorption
Desorption
Binding and interactions
Swelling
De-swelling, crosslinking and 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

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

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.

Measurement range and capacity

Measurement channels	1
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

Top suggestions

Stainless Steel SS2343

QSX 305

PS-Hydrophobic Polystyrene

See more here

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

Simplify your work

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

Installation Kit

Contains parts to operate the QSense® instruments: sensor cleaning holder, sensor cleaning solution, tweezers, screwdriver for the Standard Flow Module, beakers and tubing cutter.

Configure QSense Initiator with suitable accessories 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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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

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

2-harmonic QCM-D with QSense Decay technology

Simplified system

Broadest offer of sensor surfaces and coatings

measurement conditions

A closer look

Measurement range and capacity

Sample and fluidics

Performance characteristics

Top suggestions

See more here

QSoft software

Computer requirements

Required

Recommended

Simplify your work

Installation Kit

What others say

Malkiat Johal on QSense

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

Kenichi Sakai on QSense

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

Marité Cárdenas on QSense

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

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

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

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

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

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

Analyze Surface-induced Complement Activation

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

Characterization of Polymer Layer Swelling, Crosslinking and Collapse

Analyzing Cleaning of Hard Surfaces with QSense

QSense Analysis in CMP

The Dissipation Factor in QCM-D Technology

Temperature Stability in QCM Measurements

What is Dissipation?

What is a Viscoelastic material?

How to Generate Quality QCM-D Data

QCM-D vs other QCMs

QCM-D Publications in Battery Research

How to read a QCM Specification