THE FIRST OPEN-HARDWARE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT READY FOR SOFT MATTER RESEARCH

openQCM Q-1 is an experimental open hardware QCM instrument developed through scientific community collaboration, designed for simultaneous Frequency and Dissipation monitoring across a wide range of overtones. This evolving research apparatus provides surface sensitive technology for monitoring mass variations and viscoelastic properties at molecular scale. As a community-driven project, openQCM Q-1 continues to be refined and enhanced based on researcher feedback and contributions, representing an ongoing development rather than a finalized product.

top view of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance openQCM Q-1
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SWEEPING AROUND RESONANCE FREQUENCY

How openQCM Q-1 acquires resonance curves in order to monitor the dissipation effect. 

 
Protein Biosensors
By functionalizing the QCM surface with specific recognition elements, such as antibodies, aptamers, or other biomolecules, it can selectively detect target proteins. When the protein of interest binds to the surface, the mass increases, causing a measurable frequency shift.
Medical Research
QCM technologycan contribute to the development of new therapeutics and diagnostic tools by providing insights into biological mechanisms and molecular recognition processes. Moreover, QCM technology can help assess the efficacy of drug candidates and support the optimization of drug delivery systems.
Bacteria Detection
QCM-D biosensors offer rapid, label-free bacteria detection by targeting bacterial surface molecules with specially functionalized surfaces. These sensors detect frequency and dissipation shifts caused by mass and viscoelastic changes upon bacterial adhesion. Ideal for healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring applications, QCM-D technology enables real-time bacterial detection.
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OpenQCM Q-1 for Protein Biosensors
"Quartz crystal microbalance-based biosensing of proteins using molecularly imprinted polydopamine sensing films: Interplay between protein characteristics and molecular imprinting effect Journal Article" | Lim, Hui Jean; et al. | Surfaces and Interfaces, 2023
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OpenQCM Q-1 for Medical Research
"Development of a QCM-based biosensor for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies" | Lino, Catarina; Barrias, Sara; Chaves, Raquel; Adega, Filomena; Fernandes, José Ramiro; Martins-Lopes, Paula | Talanta, 2023.
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OpenQCM Q-1 for Bacteria Detection
"Detecting Escherichia coli Biofilm Development Stages on Gold and Titanium by Quartz Crystal Microbalance" | LRipa, Rosa; Shen, Amy Q; Funari, Riccardo | ACS omega, 2020
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WE DESIGNED KEEPING IN MIND THE CONCEPT OF MODULARITY

The modular design give us the maximum flexibility for future improvements. For example, it would be easier to modify the original main electronic design, based on the feedback coming from the scientific community, without the need to change the whole device.

 

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simultaneous frequency, dissipation and phase measurements

openQCM Q-1 is based on AD8302 RF/IF Gain and Phase Detector which is a fully integrated system for measuring gain/loss trought quartz sensor and phase difference between actuation and sensor reaponse.

overtones analyses

Thanks to DDS technology openQCM Q-1 is capable to passively interrogate quartz sensor not only at fundamental frequency, but also at its overtones (n= 3, 5, 7, 9) enhancing the measurement performances.

o-ring pressure fine regulation

We re-design openQCM fluidic cell in order to obtain the maximum flexibility. As example we designed an innovative sealing system to fine tuning the oring pressure on the quartz crystal surface.

plug & play

an easy-to-use scientific tool, just plug the device to your PC and you can start the measurements.

DDS sweep technology

We re-design openQCM in order to obtain the maximum flexibility. Thanks to its modularity it would be easier to modify and implement the original features.

pogo pins sensor contacts

We re-design openQCM in order to obtain the maximum flexibility. Thanks to its modularity it would be easier to modify and implement the original features.

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