Biolin QCM-D Instruments
QSense™ Initiator
The QSense Initiator Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) system is designed for straightforward, reliable measurements. It features a single measurement channel for sample testing under precise, temperature-controlled conditions. The chamber platform and compatible accessories support flexible experimental configurations, producing high-quality, reproducible data across a wide range of applications.
Single-Channel QCM-D
Run one experiment using customizable sensor surfaces, solutions, and flow modes
Versatile Conditions
Encompasses a temperature range of 20 – 45°C under various chemical environments
Accessible System
Includes all core components for routine measurements in a compact system
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Entry-Level Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) Instrument
Designed for QCM-D beginners, the QSense Initiator provides a simplified introduction to QCM-D technology. This 2-harmonic, single-channel system makes basic studies of molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces accessible to researchers of all experience levels. Offering real-time, label-free measurements of mass changes and film thickness during liquid flow experiments, the Initiator also allows qualitative analysis of viscoelastic properties, supporting applications in biomaterials, coatings, and surface science. With a streamlined experimental setup and straightforward operation, the Initiator offers an efficient solution for fundamental studies, routine analysis, and method development.
Measurable Phenomena
Adsorption
Desorption
Binding & interactions
Swelling
De-swelling, crosslinking & collapse
Degradation, corrosion & etching
QSense Initiator
QSense Applications
Pharmaceutical R&D
The QSense Initiator delivers sub-nanogram level mass sensitivity, making it an indispensable tool for drug development. It has been used extensively by research scientists in the pharmaceutical industry to investigate lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery systems, study drug-surface interactions, assess biocompatibility of therapeutics, and develop biosensors.
Biotechnology & Medical Devices
The label-free QCM-D technique is useful for simulating interactions and reactions taking place at surfaces and interfaces within the human body. Biomolecular interactions that have been studied using QCM-D include immune responses to surgical implants and biomaterials, antibody-antigen interactions, protein-DNA interactions and conformational changes, biomineralization, and fouling due to biofilm formation.
Cleaning & Detergents
QCM-D provides real-time insights into the removal of mass from a surface, which is ideal for studying the efficacy of cleaning products on hard surfaces. By flowing detergent formulations with different surfactant concentrations over a sensor coated in the material of interest (lipids, fat, grease, food, biofilms, soil, etc.) it is possible to quantify their cleaning performance. High temperature and/or high-pressure environments such as industrial cleaning tanks can be simulated using the QSense High Temperature/High Pressure Chamber.
Batteries & Energy Storage
QSense QCM-Ds can be connected to a potentiostat to enable Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) experiments. EQCM-D allows in situ investigation of bulk and interfacial behaviors in batteries, fuel cells, and other energy systems, providing a better understanding of both the chemical reactions and mass transport taking place during their operation. One critical application of EQCM-D is furthering our understanding of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI), which is critical for improving Li-ion battery performance.
Electronics & Semiconductors
Semiconductor wafers undergo several treatments as part of the Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) process to ensure they meet specifications and are prepared for subsequent photolithography and metallization steps. QCM-D can be used to gain a better understanding of the interactions taking place between the surface and slurry, the etching behavior of different slurry formulas, and the cleaning performance of post-CMP residue removal agents. Examples of available sensor coatings for CMP-related studies include: Cu, Co, W, Al, Sn, Si, SiO2, Si3N4, SiC, TEOS, polySi, Al2O3, CuO, SnO2, NiP, polyimide, and many more.
Food Science
QCM-D is a useful tool for food science applications ranging from food ingredient interactions to food engineering and processing, and food safety and storage. Various systems can be modeled using QCM-D, such as the human tongue and oral cavity, food manufacturing lines, and food packaging, to study the molecular interactions that affect food quality, appearance, sensory characteristics, shelf life, and more.
Polymers
When studying polymers, it is critical to understand both their mechanistic properties and their chemical attributes. QCM-D enables researchers to better understand the dynamic behavior of polymers, such as swelling or shrinking in response to stimuli like pH or salt concentration, by providing simultaneous measurements of mass and viscoelastic properties of the adsorbed polymer layer. The sensitivity and precision of QCM-D make it useful for investigating polymer adsorption, conformational changes, and stability of polymer layers under varying conditions.
QSense Initiator
Product Features
Measurement Conditions
Flow Mode
Stagnant Mode
Liquid Phase
Gas Phase
*Requires Add-on
Harsh Chemicals
Low Temperature
*Requires Add-on
High Temperature
*Requires Add-on
Humidity
*Requires Add-on
Variable Pressure
*Requires Add-on
Inert Surface
*Requires Add-on
Mass Sensitivity & Signal Quality
QSense Decay Technology provides high-resolution frequency and dissipation monitoring, allowing for the detection of even the smallest changes in mass and viscoelastic properties. The system supports a broad range of measurement conditions, including temperature control and compatibility with additional modules, making it a versatile solution for advanced QCM-D analysis.
Measurement of Multiple Harmonics
QCM-D is an acoustic-based technique, which involves the measurement of frequency and dissipation parameters to characterize mass changes and viscoelasticity in thin film systems. Measuring the fundamental frequency is a given in QCM, but measuring multiple overtones (harmonics) provides a deeper understanding of the adsorbed layer, especially if it is soft (viscoelastic) rather than rigid. All QSense systems measure multiple harmonics, up to the 13th overtone. To learn more about the value of measuring multiple harmonics during QCM experiments, read our White Paper:
Widest Range of Sensor Surfaces
Having your material of interest on the surface of the sensor is a prerequisite to achieving your research goals with QCM-D. QSense offers over 100 different sensor surfaces, including common metals, polymers, ceramics, and glass used across various industries, sulfides and oxides, functionalized surfaces, and custom options for exotic materials.
Application Support & Local Service
In the US and Canada, the QSense QCM-D products are supported and serviced by Nanoscience Instruments. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional application support and field service, ensuring your team of users is well-trained and the instrument is up and running in optimal condition. Whether you are interested in discussing the feasibility of a specific experiment or need help with troubleshooting your QSense system, our Support teams are here for you!
QSense initiator
PRODUCT ACCESSORIES
QSensors
QSense initiator
qsense Software
QSOFT
QSoft is the data acquisition software used with the QSense Initiator. It has a straightforward interface for setting up and running QCM-D experiments with control over temperature, flow, and measurement parameters. Real-time data visualization helps monitor frequency and dissipation changes throughout the experiment.
QSense Initator
Product Knowledgebase
Webinar
Molecular Scale Adsorption Behavior of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on Model Surfaces
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern owing to…
Blog
Advanced Automation Features of QSense Omni for Maximizing Efficiency
Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) has revolutionized surface…
White Paper
Optimizing Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) Processes with QCM-D
Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), also called chemical-mechanical polishing, is a c…