Topics below:
- What is the sensitivity and detection limit of the 3T systems?
- How many times can I use a QCM-D sensor?
- What is the resolution of the frequency and dissipation measurements?
- How many sensor channels are available?
- What is the system’s frequency range?
3T Analytik develops innovative technological solutions for the monitoring of molecular binding and interactions and surface associated phenomena. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) technology is used to measure changes in mass on a quartz crystal sensor’s surface in real-time. The instruments from 3T ensure precise, easy surface analysis technology for established and emerging industrial and academic applications.
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What is the sensitivity and detection limit of the 3T systems?
Sensitivity is critical for detecting small mass changes. A high sensitivity system allows for accurate measurements of nanograms or even picograms per square centimeter. Buyers should inquire about the frequency shift resolution and the system’s ability to detect small changes in both frequency and dissipation.
How many times can I use a QCM-D sensor?
Indefinitely! Essentially, a QCM-D sensor can be used if it is physically sound, i.e., not broken, cracked, or chipped. The sensor surface can be sufficiently regenerated by cleaning between uses.
The sensor can be kept sound by careful handling, which is very much application dependent. Several options are available for cleaning the sensor surface, such as: surface oxidation by means of plasma or UV-ozone treatment; ultrasonication; piranha solution; base piranha solution; and surfactants (e.g., SDS, tween). Organic solvents may be used for the sensor but are not suitable for the quartz chip.
What is the resolution of the frequency and dissipation measurements?
The resolution refers to how small a change the system can detect in both frequency and dissipation. Higher resolution is important for studying subtle changes in the adsorbed layer, especially when working with very thin films or low mass interactions.
How many sensor channels are available?
The qCell T series QCM-D instruments from 3T Analytik are available in single or dual channel configuration.
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What is the system’s frequency range?
Answer: qCell T series QCM-D instruments from 3T Analytik measures frequency and dissipative energy losses (damping) over a frequency range of 5-50 MHz. With the adapter system allowing measurements with 5 and 10 MHz sensors, the user has access to a total of 8 harmonics, i.e., 5, 15, 25, 35 & 45 MHz (5 MHz sensor) and 10, 30 & 50 MHz (10 MHz sensor), which is sufficient for viscoelastic modelling.
What kind of liquid handling options does the system support?
The qCell T series QCM-D instruments from 3T Analytik support a software-integrated peristaltic pump as well as an optional auto-sampler Liquibox compact for fully automated liquid handling of up to eight sample fluids per QCM-D channel. Both the pump and the auto-sampler can be pre-programmed using a script function available in the data-acquisition software.
Users should consider whether the system supports different types of liquid flow cells, such as those designed for biosensing, high-throughput screening, or even viscoelastic measurements of very viscous solutions. The ability to precisely control the liquid environment is crucial for accurate measurements.
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