Quartz crystal microbalance:a useful tool for studying thin polymer films and complex biomolecular systems at the solution-surface interface

摘要

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a simple,cost effective,high-resolution mass sensing technique,based upon the piezoelectric effect.As a methodology,the QCM evolved a solution measurement capability in largely analytical chemistry and electrochemical applications due to its sensitive solution-surface interface measurement capability.The technique possess a wide detection range.At the low mass end,it can detect monolayer surface coverage by small molecules or polymer films.At the upper end,it is capable of detecting much larger masses bound to the surface.These can be complex arrays of biopolymers and biomacromolecules,even whole cells.In addition,the QCM can provide information about the energy dissipating properties of the bound surface mass.Another important and unique feature of the technique is the ability to measure mass and energy dissipation properties of films while simultaneously carrying out electrochemistry on solution species or upon film systems bound to the upper electrode on the oscillating quartz crystal surface.