@article{GAMANIEL2025110688,

title = {Influence of plant-based compounds on the structural stability of mucous boundary layers in tribological contact},

author = {Samuel S. Gamaniel and Erik G. Vries and R. Hans Tromp and Els H. A. Hoog and Rob Vreeker and David T. A. Matthews and Emile Heide},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301679X25001835},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2025.110688},

issn = {0301-679X},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-09-01},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Tribology International},

volume = {209},

pages = {110688},

abstract = {This study presents a new methodology for understanding the molecular interactions of plant-based compounds on lubricating boundary layers in oral contacts. The methodology was used to investigate the impact of a plant protein (fava bean protein isolate) and a phenolic compound (tannic acid) on the structure and lubricating property of mucous boundary layers. Tribological experiments, coupled with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring measurements and fluorescence microscopy imaging, were used to elucidate the mechanism of boundary film disruption and lubrication losses. It was found that even at concentrations up to 5 % w/v, fava bean proteins bind to mucins and hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces, forming a hydrated, hydrophilic layer that sustains lubrication. Conversely, even at concentrations lower than 0.5 % w/v, tannic acid interacts strongly with mucins via hydrophobic interactions and/or hydrogen bonding, leading to protein aggregation, interrupting mucin binding onto PDMS, and increasing friction due to the disruption of the lubricating boundary layer. Fluorescent microscopy images revealed that the tannic acid-bovine submaxillary mucin interaction impairs the stability of the mucous boundary film, facilitating mucous protein detachment during a single sliding experiment of a PDMS probe. Results from these investigations provide critical insights into the molecular-level mechanisms influencing oral lubrication, particularly for the development of polyphenol-rich foods, and emphasize the importance of tribological assessment as a research tool in the development of plant-based protein alternatives.},

keywords = {Astringency, Fava bean protein isolate, Mucous boundary lubrication, openQCM Q-1, Polyphenols, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Tannic Acid, Tribology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{MEIER2025118421,

title = {The release and cytotoxicity of novel light inducible antimicrobial coatings after incineration},

author = {Philipp Meier and Giacomo Reina and Sandro Lehner and Milijana Jovic and Maria Kovacova and Zdenko Spitalsky and Simone Schulte and Stefan Fischer and Pascal Kock and Peter Neubauer and Peter Wick},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651325007572},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118421},

issn = {0147-6513},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-07-15},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety},

volume = {300},

pages = {118421},

abstract = {Airborne transmitted as well as multiresistant pathogens can spread rapidly in high traffic enclosed public spaces. Antimicrobial coatings of surfaces are a promising approach limiting the spread of diseases by targeted contact inhibition of microbes. A novel class of light-activated coatings including hydrophobic carbon quantum dots (hCQDs) and up-converter (UPC) are developed for this purpose including Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles. The efficacy against pathogens and the human safety aspects need to be well balanced. In case of fire-related accidents, these additives should not increase flammability, smoke release or the formation of harmful entities. In this work, antimicrobial hCQDs & up-converters are coated onto porous and non-porous substrates, exploring the interplay between substrates and coatings on the release of fume products after incineration. The airborne soot particles were assessed for their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content and their potential to cause a pro-inflammatory cytokine response in human lung cells. No significant acute in vitro lung cytotoxicity was detected from nano-coated surfaces after incineration. With this study, an important intermediate goal is reached and provides the rational for further investigations.},

keywords = {Acute lung cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial coating, Hydrophobic carbon quantum nanodots (hCQDs), Incineration, openQCM Wi2, Photodynamic effect, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SbD, Up-converter (UPC)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01380,

title = {Determination of Both Wet and Dry Mass of Water-Soluble Polymers Adsorbed on Planar Silica Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

author = {A. P. Berisha and O. O. Mykhaylyk and S. P. Armes and A. Ambarkar and C. Malde},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01380},

doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01380},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-06-30},

urldate = {2025-06-30},

journal = {Langmuir},

volume = {0},

number = {0},

pages = {null},

abstract = {It is well-established that polymer adsorption at a model planar interface can be studied using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Normally, this technique reports both the adsorbed mass of polymer chains plus any bound or entrained solvent molecules. Thus the total adsorbed amount significantly exceeds that reported by optical reflectometry or determined from adsorption isotherms obtained for colloidal substrates using a supernatant depletion assay. Herein we report a new QCM approach whereby the dry adsorbed amount, Γdry, is obtained directly from the wet (solvated) adsorbed amount, Γwet, by switching from a liquid flow to a flow of nitrogen gas. The latter conditions lead to complete removal of the solvent, leaving only the desolvated adsorbed polymer chains. This strategy is exemplified for the adsorption of two well-known nonionic water-soluble polymers, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP), from aqueous solution onto a model planar substrate (silica). These two systems were selected to facilitate direct comparison with the literature, which validates this new approach.},

note = {PMID: 40587480},

keywords = {Adsorption, nanoparticles, openQCM NEXT, polymers, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), sensors, Silica},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{TIAN2025100341,

title = {Palm-size wireless piezoelectric immune-biosensing system for rapid E. coli O157:H7 detection},

author = {Yang Tian and Lisa Kelso and Yiting Xiao and Chaitanya Pallerla and Ramesh Bist and Siavash Mahmoudi and Ziyu Liu and Haizheng Xiong and Jeyam Subbiah and Terry Howell and Dongyi Wang},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666351125000166},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2025.100341},

issn = {2666-3511},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-06-01},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Sensors International},

volume = {6},

pages = {100341},

abstract = {Rapid and accurate detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 is essential for ensuring public health, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Traditional detection methods are often time-consuming and require specialized laboratory infrastructure, limiting their practicality for on-site applications. In this study, we present a palm-sized, wireless piezoelectric immunosensor system designed for the swift and sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7. The system integrates a gold-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor functionalized with protein A-immobilized antibodies, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel for efficient sample handling, and a flexible loop antenna for wireless signal transmission. Real-time data is transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone application, enhancing user interaction and portability. Sensitivity tests demonstrated a proportional increase in frequency shift corresponding to E. coli O157:H7 concentrations, achieving a detection limit as low as 102 CFU ml−1 in field samples. Selectivity tests confirmed minimal cross-reactivity with other bacteria, highlighting the sensor's specificity. The incorporation of immuno-nanobeads amplified the signal, enhancing the system's ability to detect low bacterial concentrations. The portable, self-powered system offers a practical solution for rapid, on-site pathogen detection, addressing critical needs in food safety and environmental monitoring. By enabling timely and accurate detection of contaminants, this technology has the potential to significantly impact public health by reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses, safeguarding environmental resources, and enhancing overall safety and health outcomes.},

keywords = {Food safety, Immuno-nanobeads, immunosensor, Microfluidic, openQCM sensors, Pathogen detection, Piezoelectric sensor, Wireless biosensor},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{reichert2025surface,

title = {Surface-mounted metal-organic framework for the adsorption and sensing of monoaromatic pollutants in water},

author = {Per Reichert and Jaskaran Singh Malhotra and Deepthy Krishnan and Sinem Evli and Srihari Yamunan and Clara Davila Duarte and Mariusz Kubus and Jonas Sundberg},

url = {https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/682c3a413ba0887c33d44494},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-93k50},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-05-26},

urldate = {2025-05-26},

abstract = {The increase in environmental pollution from industrial and anthropogenic activities, particularly toxic and persistent pollutants, is becoming an increasing threat to our access to clean water. While laboratory-based analytical techniques offer high sensitivity, their cost and time requirements limit spatial and temporal resolution for effective environmental monitoring. This highlights the critical need for technically advanced, yet simple-to-operate sensors suitable for field deployment. Specifically, the detection of water-dissolved pollutants is challenging due to the high propensity of water molecules to interact with sensor materials, obstructing the detection mechanism. One class of highly water-soluble pollutants are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (collectively referred to as BTEX). These compounds are prevalent specifically in fossil fuels and are therefore often found in areas surrounding processing and storage facilities. Due to their relatively high water solubility, they have a high propensity to migrate and transport to the groundwater. Porous metal-organic frameworks have shown promise for separation technology, including as analyte-receptors in adsorption-based sensing. We hypothesized that a hydrophobic MOF with pore dimensions similar to the BTEX molecules would selectively partition these analytes from water. In our study, we have specifically investigated UHMOF-100, a material previously shown to be highly water-repellent with narrow pores hypothesized to selectively adsorb non-polar compounds. Bulk adsorption experiments confirmed the ability of UHMOF-100 to rapidly adsorb BTEX from water, demonstrating high mass capacities (up to 402 mg g⁻¹) influenced by a complex interplay of water solubility, molecular size, and guest–host interactions. Building upon this, we developed a method for fabricating robust UHMOF-100 thin films on commercial quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonators using a layer-by-layer deposition technique. The sensor morphology, crystallite size and density have been characterized using a combination of imaging, spectroscopic and diffraction techniques. The functionalized QCM sensors successfully detected individual BTEX species spiked in water within the concentration range of 0-50 mg L¹. Quantifiable responses were observed at concentrations as low as 5 mg L⁻¹, with sensitivities ranging from 2.04 to 4.59 Hz / mg L⁻¹. The sensors showed low cross-sensitivity towards more polar environmental contaminants such as phenol and benzoic acid, and a limited response to naphthalene, validating a degree of selective interaction with the target BTEX molecules. Furthermore, the UHMOF-100 films demonstrated both chemical stability in water and mechanical robustness under continuous flow conditions over extended measurement periods. This work presents, to our knowledge, the first example of a MOF-based QCM sensor for the detection of BTEX in water, demonstrating the potential of suitably designed porous materials for addressing challenging aqueous sensing applications.},

keywords = {BTEX sensor, Chemical sensing, metal-organic frameworks, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Water pollution},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{HUDZIK2025100535,

title = {Quartz crystal microbalance experiments reveal structural changes in the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in the presence of savirin},

author = {Emilia M. Hudzik and Andrew J. Parnell and Jordan Petkov and Mark Geoghegan},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666845925001229},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2025.100535},

issn = {2666-8459},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-04-21},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Results in Surfaces and Interfaces},

pages = {100535},

abstract = {ABSTRACT 

Quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) experiments show that green-fluorescent protein labelled Staphylococcus aureus adsorption to a gold QCM electrode is similar for a certain incubation period (here, 6 h) in the presence and absence of the quorum sensing inhibitor, savirin. After this period, cells continue to adsorb in the absence of savirin, but in its presence biofilm formation is severely compromised, with significant changes in the viscoelastic properties of the layer being observed.},

keywords = {Biofilm, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D, quartz-crystal microbalance, Quorum sensing inhibitor, Staphylococcus aureus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c05158,

title = {Use of Humidity Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Simultaneous Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering to Investigate the Self-assembly and Energetics of Lipid Thin Films},

author = {Jack Macklin and Christian Pfrang and Paul Wady and Wanli Liu and Ruaridh Davidson and Adam Milsom and Adam Squires},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c05158},

doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c05158},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-04-16},

urldate = {2025-04-16},

journal = {Langmuir},

volume = {0},

number = {0},

pages = {null},

abstract = {We present a novel method of analyzing lyotropic liquid crystal mesophases─self-organized amphiphile-water nanomaterials─using in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GI-SAXS) on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in a controlled humidity environment. This combination simultaneously gives nanostructural dimensions and phase symmetry (through SAXS), compositional data (% water by weight, from QCM data), and water activity within the sample (from the equilibrium relative humidity above the film), as the sample film takes up and releases water during humidity sweeps. Analysis of the combined data provides immediate access to information typically built up from experiments on multiple individual samples prepared at different fixed compositions. Our approach greatly reduces the required sample quantities and preparation time while avoiding issues with sample-to-sample variations thanks to the collection of the multiple parameters simultaneously. It also extends the accessible range to the low water content region of the phase diagram, which is harder to access by fixed composition measurements and is highly relevant to coatings and powders exposed to ambient humidities. Here, we present data on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine/water lamellar phases. Our calculated bilayer thickness and interbilayer repulsion values show good agreement with published data obtained from multiple individual samples, and we clearly demonstrate the ability to extend to lower water contents.},

note = {PMID: 40235269},

keywords = {humidity, lipids, openQCM Holder, openQCM Q-1, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Thickness, Thin films, Water},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{insects16040363,

title = {A Novel Biosensor for the Early Detection of Aethina tumida via Kodamaea ohmeri in Honeybee Colonies},

author = {Paola Ghisellini and Patrizia Garbati and Marco Pietropaoli and Antonella Cersini and Gabriele Pietrella and Cristina Rando and Luca Giacomelli and Stefano Ottoboni and Giovanni Formato and Roberto Eggenhöffner},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/4/363},

doi = {10.3390/insects16040363},

issn = {2075-4450},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-04-01},

urldate = {2025-04-01},

journal = {Insects},

volume = {16},

number = {4},

abstract = {Aethina tumida, commonly known as the small hive beetle, poses a threat to honeybee populations, particularly Apis mellifera, across several European regions. Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a risk of the infestation spreading from Calabria, a region in the south of Italy. The essential role played by Apis spp. in pollination biodiversity preservation, agricultural productivity, and the overall economy is related to the dangers posed by the invasion of Aethina tumida. Current detection methods often fail to identify infestations early, leading to significant colony losses. We focused on creating a biosensor to improve the detection of Kodamaea ohmeri, a recently identified yeast that coexists symbiotically with Aethina tumida. The biosensor was designed to exploit the highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance to identify a specific peptide linked to Kodamaea ohmeri in honey specimens. Its gold-plated surface over quartz was functionalized with an antibody effective in recognizing the peptide associated with Kodamaea ohmeri, a potential warning for detecting Aethina tumida. Preliminary results support the possibility of using such biosensor technology to detect infestation and enhance colony management techniques for honeybees, enabling beekeepers to implement prompt and focused treatments. In addition, reducing the size and cost of these biosensors and offering user training would be very helpful in having them used in beekeeping.},

keywords = {Aethina tumida detection, Apis mellifera health, biosensors, Kodamaea ohmeri detection, openQCM Wi2, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.4c04859,

title = {Plasmonic Geometry-Induced Viscoelastic Biocomplex Formation with Optical Concealment, Liquid Slips, and Soundscapes in Bioassays},

author = {Zoe Bradley and Nikhil Bhalla},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c04859},

doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.4c04859},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-25},

journal = {Analytical Chemistry},

volume = {0},

number = {0},

pages = {null},

abstract = {Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs), typically made up of gold or silver, are widely used in point-of-care bio- and chemical sensing due to their role in enhancing detection sensitivity. Key NP properties influencing sensing performance include the material type, NP size, and geometry. While much research has focused on material and size optimization, less attention has been given to understand NP geometry effects and interactions with biomolecules involved in the bioassay. In this context, we investigate the interfacial properties of the biocomplex formed by spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanostars (AuNSts) during a sandwich assay using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The chosen model to study the biocomplex specifically detects interleukin-6 (IL-6). Our results show that AuNSts, with their anisotropic shape and higher surface area, form antibody–antigen complexes more effectively than AuNPs. AuNSts also create a softer, more hydrated layer due to their complex geometry, which leads to larger liquid slips. Lastly, we showed that AuNSts avoid optical concealment at high IL-6 concentrations, unlike AuNPs, making them more reliable for detecting a wider range of concentrations. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing NP geometry for improved bio/chemical sensor performance.},

note = {PMID: 40131300},

keywords = {Liquids, Mathematical methods, Metal nanoparticles, openQCM NEXT, Peptides and proteins, QCM-D, sensors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{technologies13030114,

title = {Portable DNA Probe Detector and a New Dry-QCM Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Detection},

author = {Dhanunjaya Munthala and Thita Sonklin and Narong Chanlek and Ashish Mathur and Souradeep Roy and Devash Kumar Avasthi and Sanong Suksaweang and Soodkhet Pojprapai},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/13/3/114},

doi = {10.3390/technologies13030114},

issn = {2227-7080},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-12},

urldate = {2025-03-12},

journal = {Technologies},

volume = {13},

number = {3},

abstract = {This work demonstrates the preliminary results of rapid and direct detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene-dependent probe DNA was used as a selective agent toward target DNA, the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RNAs extracted from clinical samples. This study developed and utilised a unique dry-QCM approach with a mitigated experimental procedure. Contact angle measurements, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were employed to investigate the surface during probe immobilisation and target hybridisation. This study also investigates the effect of temperature on probe immobilisation and target hybridisation. The estimated probe density was 0.51 × 1012 probes/cm2, which is below the critical limit. The estimated hybridisation efficiency was about 58.9%. The linear detection range with a Limit of Detection (LoD) was about ~1.22 nM with high selectivity toward SARS-CoV-2 target DNA. The sensor shelf-life was found to be extended to 25 days. The novelty of using a new dry-QCM approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection was proven with the results.},

keywords = {openQCM sensors, point-of-care application, portable DNA sensor, QCM, SARS-CoV-2},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{doi:10.1021/acs.biomac.5c00010,

title = {Controlling Protein Immobilization over Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Microparticles Using Substrate Binding Domain from PHA Depolymerase},

author = {Isabela P. Dias and Regiane Stafim Cunha and Ryu Masaki and Maritza A. Todo Bom and Edneia A. S. Ramos and Giovanna J. V. P. Santos and Giovanna Furman and Julia T. Lucena and Isabella G. Jiacomini and Sze M. Lo and Zelinda Schemczssen-Graeff and Breno C. B. Beirão and Silvio M. Zanata and Luiz M. de L. Faria and Edileusa M. Gerhardt and Emanuel Maltempi Souza and Marcelo Müller-Santos and Guilherme F. Picheth},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.5c00010},

doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.5c00010},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-09},

urldate = {2025-03-09},

journal = {Biomacromolecules},

abstract = {Biointerface decoration with ligands is a crucial requirement to modulate biodistribution, increase half-life, and provide navigation control for targeted micro- or nanostructured systems. To better control the process of ligand functionalization over three-dimensional (3D) polyester surfaces, we report the characterization of hybrid proteins developed to enhance the anchoring efficiency over polymeric surfaces and preserve optimal spatial orientation: sfGFP, mRFP1, and the RBD proteins were attached to a polyester substrate binding domain (SBD) formed by the C-terminus region of PHA depolymerase. The binding ability was evaluated over poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) microparticles (MP) and two-dimensional (2D) surfaces. The PHB interfaces revealed a high affinity toward the proteins linked with SBD, displaying higher protein contents compared to untagged proteins. The MP decorated with RBD-SBD exhibited limited MRC5 internalization and cytotoxicity without a significant impact caused by the RBD protein, suggesting that the system might be adapted for targeted drug delivery and vaccine applications.},

note = {PMID: 40059311},

keywords = {Immobilization, Ligands, Microparticles, openQCM Shield, Peptides and proteins, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Toxicity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{SALEH2025100071,

title = {Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Biosensor for Rapid and Ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 Detection},

author = {Sahera Saleh and Habib Alkalamouni and Karen Antar and Joe Rahme and Michel Kazan and Pierre Karam and Jit Muthuswamy and Hassan Zaraket and Massoud L Khraiche},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949771X25000222},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpbao.2025.100071},

issn = {2949-771X},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-07},

urldate = {2025-03-07},

journal = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis Open},

pages = {100071},

abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and affordable diagnostic tests, especially in resource-limited settings. While RT-qPCR remains the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection, it is expensive and requires specialized equipment. Antigen-based tests, though faster, lack sufficient sensitivity. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a platform that combines the rapidity of antigen tests with the sensitivity of molecular tests. In this work, we address this problem by developing a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) biosensor for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins. We designed a QCM biosensor with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based surface functionalization, which significantly improves sensitivity and specificity. The platform achieved a detection limit of 53.3 TCID50/mL and a sensitivity of 0.263Hz/ TCID50 /mL, with results available in approximately 15minutes. Cross-reactivity tests with Influenza A demonstrated its high specificity for SARS-CoV-2. Comprehensive surface characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Digital Holographic Microscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy confirmed the stability and integrity of the functionalized sensor surface. The platform is cost-effective, scalable, and designed for ease of use in resource-limited settings. This work presents the first open-source QCM biosensing platform for SARS-CoV-2 detection that combines high sensitivity, rapid results, and affordability. It offers a deployable solution for COVID-19 diagnostics, particularly in underserved regions, and is adaptable for future pandemic preparedness.},

keywords = {acoustic sensor, COVID, COVID-19, openQCM Q-1, PEG, point-of-care, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Rapid},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{AHAMED2025116392,

title = {Elliptical Electrode Designs in Quartz Crystal Microbalances: Enhancing Sensitivity in Liquid Biosensing Applications},

author = {Afri Ahamed and Chien Wei Ooi and Hui Jean Lim and N. Ramakrishnan and Tridib Saha},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424725001980},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2025.116392},

issn = {0924-4247},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-03},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical},

pages = {116392},

abstract = {The demand for highly sensitive and versatile sensors is rapidly growing in biomedical applications, where specific, sensitive, and rapid detection are essential. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a popular analytical tool for such applications due to its high sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. However, conventional QCM-based biosensing assays often suffer from poor sensitivity and high sample consumption, limiting their practicality. This study introduces a modified electrode design and a single droplet-based assay to enhance QCM-based bio-detection. Through extensive experiments, including contact angle analysis, damping, and viscosity measurements, we identified an optimal elliptical electrode design for single droplet-based liquid sensing. Using QCM crystals coated with molecularly imprinted polydopamine (MIPDA) sensing films containing recognition sites for detecting pepsin as a model protein, we demonstrate that QCM crystals with elliptical electrodes exhibit up to 10 times higher sensitivity than the industry-standard 1-inch circular QCM crystal. Additionally, the optimized QCM crystals showed linear sensitivity over a wider volume range, providing consistent detection at 250Hz/μl compared to the circular crystal's narrower range at 50Hz/μl. These findings establish a foundation for next-generation QCM platforms with superior sensitivity, reduced sample requirements, and broader adaptability, paving the way for advancements in biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.},

keywords = {Deionised Water (DI Water), Elliptical Electrodes, Liquid Droplet Detection, openQCM Q-1, Protein Sensing, Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{BARRIAS2025111036,

title = {Newly developed QCM-DNA biosensor for SNP detection in small DNA fragments: A wine authenticity case study},

author = {Sara Barrias and José R. Fernandes and Paula Martins-Lopes},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713524007539},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.111036},

issn = {0956-7135},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-03-01},

urldate = {2025-03-01},

journal = {Food Control},

volume = {169},

pages = {111036},

abstract = {We propose a QCM-DNA biosensor for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection in samples of differing complexity. An optimized protocol is presented, focusing on parameters affecting probe immobilization and hybridization efficiency. Our results led to the implementation of thiolated probe reduction with TCEP, followed by immobilization in PBS buffer containing MgCl2. The biosensor exhibited an enhanced specificity at 37 °C, achieving detection of single mismatches using synthetic targets. Using real samples, we applied the biosensor in a wine authenticity assessment context. The addition of dithiothreitol improved stability and reproducibility when testing wine DNA samples. The QCM-DNA biosensor was able to specifically detect complementary DNA in leaf and wine DNA samples, distinguishing between samples with two heterozygous mismatches. The biosensor solely depends on DNA extraction, basic instrumentation, and reagents, without requiring PCR or signal amplification strategies. Our findings show the biosensor potential for applications in wine authenticity assessment and other fields requiring complex analysis in undemanding settings.},

keywords = {Aptamer, DNA, Grapevine, Microbalance, openQCM Q-1, Piezoelectric, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SNP, Wine},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{malhotra2025quantification,

title = {Quantification of Methane in Water at Parts Per Billion Sensitivity Using a Metal–Organic Framework-Functionalized Quartz Crystal Resonator},

author = {Jaskaran Singh Malhotra and Clara Dávila Duarte and Per Reichert and Deepthy Krishnan and Jonas Sundberg},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsanm.4c06883},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.4c06883},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-02-26},

urldate = {2025-02-26},

journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Wetlands and water bodies are essential sources of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is roughly 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, the biological production, fluxes, and interplay between methane and carbon dioxide due to microbial activity must be better understood. This is primarily attributed to the lack of sensor technology to provide the required spatial and temporal resolution. Herein, we demonstrate how a porous metal–organic framework material can create a sensor to quantify dissolved methane. The sensor is based on a quartz crystal microbalance, which measures methane adsorption using a quartz resonator functionalized with the material. Combining the quartz crystal microbalance and the nanoporous material yields fast response times and high sensitivity. This is due to a favorable partitioning coefficient between the empty pores of the material and the aqueous phase, promoting rapid migration of dissolved methane into the material. The result is a sensor system that achieves equilibration and response times under 60 s with parts per billion sensitivity. The high sensor performance is based on microporous pore size distribution, surface hydrophobicity, and crystallite size, yielding strong synergy. A fully functioning prototype has been designed, built, and evaluated to demonstrate real-life applicability and obtain a response from methane-spiked lake water. The modular nature of metal–organic frameworks opens possibilities for creating materials for selective sensing of other aqueous species. Thus, our study showcases the importance of materials for methane sensing and environmental monitoring in general.},

keywords = {chemical sensors, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrocarbons, Metal organic frameworks, methane monitoring, openQCM NEXT, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Thin films, wetlands},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{10.1063/5.0242516,

title = {The fabrication of PVP/NiAc nanofiber as a QCM active layer for hazardous vapor detection},

author = {Riris Sukowati and Yadi Mulyadi Rohman and Bertolomeus Haryanto Agung and Aan Priyanto and Dian Ahmad Hapidin and Khairurrijal Khairurrijal},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0242516},

doi = {10.1063/5.0242516},

issn = {0094-243X},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-02-20},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings},

volume = {3197},

number = {1},

pages = {020002},

abstract = {The detection of hazardous vapors is crucial for controlling their pollution in the environment. The Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) stands out as a high-performance sensing device that features high sensitivity, simplicity, low cost, and the ability to operate at room temperature. In this study, a QCM has been coated with a new active layer of PVP/NiAc composite nanofibers to detect hazardous vapor. The QCM surface is coated with PVP/NiAC nanofiber which is fabricated using the electrospinning method. The morphology and average diameter of PVP/NiAc composite nanofibers were investigated utilizing an optical microscope and ImageJ software, respectively. The developed composite nanofibers have an average diameter of 989 ± 172.61 nm. The fabricated sensor was tested against methanol, acetone, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and formaldehyde vapors in different concentrations ranging from 5.0 to 22.5 ppm. The sensitivities of QCM sensors with PVP/NiAc nanofiber active layer were 2.35, 0.62, 0.32, and 0.29 Hz/ppm for methanol, formaldehyde, acetone, and DMAc, respectively. The developed sensor performed the highest sensitivity and frequency shift response in detecting methanol vapors. Furthermore, the adsorption phenomena were investigated by adapting several adsorption models, including Scatchard, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Langmuir–Freundlich, to validate the physical adsorption affinity. In conclusion, the QCM sensors based on PVP/NiAc composite nanofibers can be a considerable way to detect hazardous vapors, especially methanol, in various sensing applications.},

keywords = {Electrospinning, Nanofiber, openQCM, Physisorption, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c04474,

title = {Quartz Crystal Microbalance Coated with a Polyvinylpyrrolidone Microfiber Active Layer as a High-Performance Acetic Acid Gas Sensor},

author = {Laila Katriani and Rizky Aflaha and Chlara Naren Maharani and Fauzi Naafi’ah Salsabila and Ahmad Hasan As’ari and Aditya Rianjanu and Pekik Nurwantoro and Roto Roto and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c04474},

doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c04474},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-02-10},

journal = {Langmuir},

volume = {0},

number = {0},

pages = {null},

abstract = {Acetic acid is among the most common and damaging airborne contaminants. Exposure to acetic acid gas can irritate the nose and throat, which may harm human health. In light of the increasing use of acetic acid in industry, there is a critical need for an acetic acid detection device that can operate in real time with excellent performance. This study developed an acetic acid gas sensor using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) deposited with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) microfiber by a well-recognized electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to observe the morphology and chemical composition of the fabricated microfibers. The obtained sensor has a high sensitivity of (4.144 ± 0.039) Hz·ppm–1 with a low detection limit and rapid response and recovery times of 75 and 66 s, respectively. In addition, the fabricated sensor also exhibits good performance as well as repeatability and long-term stability. Selectivity tests were also conducted for various analytes and exhibited excellent selectivity toward acetic acid. These advancements demonstrate that the PVP microfiber active layers not only address the challenges of detection by enhancing sensitivity but also provide unique mechanism selectivity for acetic acid molecules. However, advanced future research must still be conducted to improve the sensor reversibility, making the sensor more suitable for applications in a real environment.},

note = {PMID: 39928838},

keywords = {Deposition, layers, Molecules, openQCM Q-1, organic acids, QCM-D},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Obořilová2025,

title = {Piezoelectric biosensor with dissipation monitoring enables the analysis of bacterial lytic agent activity},

author = {Radka Obořilová and Eliška Kučerová and Tibor Botka and Hana Vaisocherová-Lísalová and Petr Skládal and Zdeněk Farka},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-85064-x},

doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-85064-x},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-27},

urldate = {2025-01-27},

journal = {Nature - Scientific Reports},

volume = {15},

number = {1},

pages = {3419},

abstract = {Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus pose a significant threat in healthcare, demanding urgent therapeutic solutions. Combining bacteriophages with conventional antibiotics, an innovative approach termed phage-antibiotic synergy, presents a promising treatment avenue. However, to enable new treatment strategies, there is a pressing need for methods to assess their efficacy reliably and rapidly. Here, we introduce a novel approach for real-time monitoring of pathogen lysis dynamics employing the piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. The sensor, a QCM chip modified with the bacterium S. aureus RN4220 ΔtarM, was utilized to monitor the activity of the enzyme lysostaphin and the phage P68 as model lytic agents. Unlike conventional QCM solely measuring resonance frequency changes, our study demonstrates that dissipation monitoring enables differentiation of bacterial growth and lysis caused by cell-attached lytic agents. Compared to reference turbidimetry measurements, our results reveal distinct alterations in the growth curve of the bacteria adhered to the sensor, characterized by a delayed lag phase. Furthermore, the dissipation signal analysis facilitated the precise real-time monitoring of phage-mediated lysis. Finally, the QCM-D biosensor was employed to evaluate the synergistic effect of subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic amoxicillin with the bacteriophage P68, enabling monitoring of the lysis of P68-resistant wild-type strain S. aureus RN4220. Our findings suggest that this synergy also impedes the formation of bacterial aggregates, the precursors of biofilm formation. Overall, this method brings new insights into phage-antibiotic synergy, underpinning it as a promising strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains with broad implications for treatment and prevention.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial treatment, Bacteriophages, biosensors, Multidrug-resistant bacteria, openQCM Q-1, Phage therapy, Phage-antibiotic synergy, Piezoelectric biosensor, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Staphylococcus aureus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{KimJeonParkLeeLee+2025,

title = {Revealing the interfacial dynamics of Escherichia coli growth and biofilm formation with integrated micro- and macro-scale approaches},

author = {Haneum Kim and Eunseo Jeon and Jeongmi Park and Kibaek Lee and Doojin Lee},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1515/arh-2025-0031},

doi = {doi:10.1515/arh-2025-0031},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-12},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Applied Rheology},

volume = {35},

number = {1},

pages = {20250031},

keywords = {biofilm growth and formation, Dissipation, interfacial dynamics, interfacial rheology, openQCM Q-1, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, surface adhesion, Viscoelastic Properties},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ahamed5094062elliptical,

title = {Elliptical Electrode Designs in Quartz Crystal Microbalances: Enhancing Sensitivity in Liquid Biosensing Applications},

author = {Afri Ahamed and Chien Wei Ooi and Hui Jean Lim and N Ramakrishnan and Tridib Saha},

url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5094062},

doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5094062},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-11},

urldate = {2025-01-11},

journal = {Available at SSRN 5094062},

abstract = {The demand for highly sensitive and versatile sensors is rapidly growing in biomedical applications, where specific, sensitive, and rapid detection are essential. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a popular analytical tool for such applications due to its high sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. However, conventional QCM-based biosensing assays often suffer from poor sensitivity and high sample consumption, limiting their practicality. This study introduces a modified electrode design and a single droplet-based assay to enhance QCM-based bio-detection. Through extensive experiments, including contact angle analysis, damping, and viscosity measurements, we identified an optimal elliptical electrode design for single droplet-based liquid sensing. Using QCM crystals coated with molecularly imprinted polydopamine (MIPDA) sensing films containing recognition sites for detecting pepsin as a model protein, we demonstrate that QCM crystals with elliptical electrodes exhibit up to 10 times higher sensitivity than the industry-standard 1-inch circular QCM crystal. Additionally, the optimized QCM crystals showed linear sensitivity over a wider volume range, providing consistent detection at 250 Hz/μl compared to the circular crystal's narrower range at 50 Hz/μl. These findings establish a foundation for next-generation QCM platforms with superior sensitivity, reduced sample requirements, and broader adaptability, paving the way for advancements in biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.},

keywords = {Deionised Water, DI Water, Elliptical Electrodes, Liquid Droplet Detection, openQCM Q-1, Protein Sensing, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{dedecker2025selectiveb,

title = {Selective adsorption and separation of C 6 hydrocarbons: the role of structural flexibility and functionalization in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks},

author = {Kevin Dedecker and Martin Drobek and Anne Julbe},

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/lf/d4lf00388h},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LF00388H},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {RSC Applied Interfaces},

publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},

abstract = {This study investigates the selective adsorption and separation of C6 hydrocarbons (benzene, cyclohexane, and n-hexane) by zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), focusing on their structural flexibility and functionalization. ZIF-8_CH3 and ZIF-8_Br were synthesized and compared, indicating distinct adsorption behaviors. ZIF-8_CH3 showed higher uptake for benzene (9.5 molecules per unit cell) and n-hexane (8.0 mlc uc−1) compared to cyclohexane (1.0 mlc uc−1). In contrast, ZIF-8_Br exhibited enhanced adsorption for cyclohexane (5.0 mlc uc−1) and reduced n-hexane uptake (0.5 mlc uc−1). Computational simulations supported these findings, identifying the involved host–guest interactions. Ideal adsorbed solution theory analysis confirmed that ZIF-8_CH3 demonstrated virtually zero uptake of cyclohexane from binary mixtures containing either n-hexane or benzene, while ZIF-8_Br exhibited negligible adsorption of n-hexane from its mixtures with cyclohexane or benzene. It was concluded that bromine functionalization in ZIF-8_Br increased structural rigidity and selectivity for aromatic compounds. These results highlight the crucial role of functionalization and gate-opening phenomena in ZIFs to achieve efficient volatile organic compound capture and separation where traditional adsorbents may not be effective.},

keywords = {C6 Hydrocarbons, Gate-Opening, openQCM, Selective Adsorption, Structural Flexibility and Functionalization, Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{as2024investigation,

title = {Investigation of the Multiple Doping of Citric Acid and Chitosan in Nanofiber for Enhancement of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Ammonia Sensor},

author = {Ahmad Hasan As’ ari and Rizky Aflaha and Laila Katriani and Ahmad Kusumaatmaja and Rike Yudianti and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11664-024-11646-0},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-024-11646-0},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-19},

urldate = {2024-12-19},

journal = {Journal of Electronic Materials},

pages = {1--13},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {Herein, the use of multiple doping of citric acid (CA) and chitosan (CS) in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers over a quartz crystal microbalance is investigated as a method for enhancing the performance of an ammonia sensor at room temperature. It was found that the PAN/CA/CS sensor has superior sensitivity and better selectivity. The PAN/CA/CS sensor demonstrated sensitivity of (0.629 ± 0.005) Hz ppm−1, which increased by 2.75 times compared to the PAN/CA sensor and 39 times compared to the PAN sensor. Chitosan doping also resulted in better selectivity, as shown by the decreased response of the PAN/CA/CS sensor compared to the PAN/CA sensor to other analytes including formaldehyde (−147%), acetic acid (−22%), ethanol (−19%), methanol (−15%), and acetone (−1%). The viscoelastic properties of chitosan might be responsible for the anti-Sauerbrey phenomena behind the enhanced selectivity. The detection and adsorption mechanisms of the fabricated sensors towards ammonia were studied using adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The adsorption kinetics varied and exhibited the limits of the high-concentration region of each sensor. Moreover, all the fabricated sensors followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm with different adsorption processes, which were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy concerning the morphology, crystal structure, and active groups after the loading of citric acid and chitosan. Thus, the use of multiple doping can improve the sensor abilities, as well as causing changes in the detection and adsorption mechanisms.},

keywords = {Adsorption, Ammonia, Chitosan, Nanofiber, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{dedecker2025selective,

title = {Selective Adsorption and Separation of C 6 Hydrocarbons: The Role of Structural Flexibility and Functionalization in Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks},

author = {Kevin Dedecker and Martin Drobek and Anne Julbe},

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/lf/d4lf00388h},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LF00388H},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-19},

urldate = {2024-12-19},

journal = {RSC Applied Interfaces},

publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},

abstract = {This study investigates the selective adsorption and separation of C6 hydrocarbons (benzene, cyclohexane, and n-hexane) by zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), focusing on their structural flexibility and functionalization. ZIF-8_CH3 and ZIF-8_Br were synthesized and compared, indicating distinct adsorption behaviors. ZIF-8_CH3 showed higher uptake for benzene (9.5 molecules per unit cell) and n-hexane (8.0 mlc uc−1) compared to cyclohexane (1.0 mlc uc−1). In contrast, ZIF-8_Br exhibited enhanced adsorption for cyclohexane (5.0 mlc uc−1) and reduced n-hexane uptake (0.5 mlc uc−1). Computational simulations supported these findings, identifying the involved host–guest interactions. Ideal adsorbed solution theory analysis confirmed that ZIF-8_CH3 demonstrated virtually zero uptake of cyclohexane from binary mixtures containing either n-hexane or benzene, while ZIF-8_Br exhibited negligible adsorption of n-hexane from its mixtures with cyclohexane or benzene. It was concluded that bromine functionalization in ZIF-8_Br increased structural rigidity and selectivity for aromatic compounds. These results highlight the crucial role of functionalization and gate-opening phenomena in ZIFs to achieve efficient volatile organic compound capture and separation where traditional adsorbents may not be effective.},

keywords = {Adsorption, benzene, cyclohexane, hydrocarbons, n-hexane, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{D4AY01859A,

title = {A polyaniline-enhanced quartz crystal microbalance sensor for room-temperature camphor detection},

author = {Rizky Aflaha and Muammar Romiz Dzaki and Laila Katriani and Ahmad Hasan As'ari and Chlara Naren Maharani and Agus Kuncaka and Taufik Abdillah Natsir and Aditya Rianjanu and Ruchi Gupta and Kuwat Triyana and Roto Roto},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D4AY01859A},

doi = {10.1039/D4AY01859A},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-18},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Anal. Methods},

pages = {-},

publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry},

abstract = {A method to detect camphor gas is considered indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry. Unfortunately, the available sensors to detect the presence of camphor in the air are very limited and still on a laboratory scale, such as using chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The research's main focus is to obtain a portable sensing system with excellent sensitivity and selectivity. This study explored polyaniline (PANi) concentrations cast over PVAc nanofiber as a matrix to detect camphor gas using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system to measure camphor exposure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) were used to analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the fabricated active layer (i.e., nanofiber with PANi thin film). Increasing the PANi concentration provides more PANi on the sensor surface, thus amassing the active groups to interact with camphor gas molecules. It shows that a sensor with a 0.08% PANi thin film (Nano-PANi8) has a sensitivity of 2.594 Hz ppm−1, much greater than the sensor without PANi, which is only 0.305 Hz ppm−1. In addition, the sensor also has good repeatability and rapid response and recovery time of 47 s and 133 s, respectively. Compared to other gaseous compounds, the sensor also has excellent selectivity for camphor and robust long-term stability over three weeks of testing. The produced QCM sensor employing PANi thin film can give a camphor sensor superior performance, including excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and long-term stability. Furthermore, the use of QCM as a base sensor also makes the fabricated sensor portable.},

keywords = {chromatography-mass spectroscopy, openQCM, PANi thin film, Polyaniline, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{SINGH2024137102,

title = {Mechanism of trace-level detection of dibutyl sulfide (DBS) at room temperature using UV-activated MoO3 coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor},

author = {Jatinder Pal Singh and Anjali Sharma and Mallika Verma and Monika Tomar and Arijit Chowdhuri},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092540052401832X},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2024.137102},

issn = {0925-4005},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-09},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical},

pages = {137102},

abstract = {Use of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) by terrorists poses significant challenges for law enforcement, emergency responders, and public health authorities. Timely detection of CWAs assumes importance for enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. Mustard gas, or sulfur mustard, is a highly dangerous CWA due to its high toxicity, persistence, potential for secondary contamination, and weaponization. Simulants are essential in developing sensors for detecting CWAs, as handling real agents is dangerous outside controlled conditions. One simulant for mustard gas is dibutyl sulfide (DBS). The present study describes the development of a highly efficient MoO3 thin film-based gas sensor for the trace-level detection of DBS at room temperature. A thin film of MoO3 was coated on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) using the RF magnetron sputtering technique. In the presence of ultraviolet light (~ 355nm), the sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 0.4Hz/ppm in the range of 2 – 400 ppm DBS with a quick response time (~7s) and recovery time (~15s) towards 2 ppm DBS at room temperature. The MoO3 sensor also demonstrated high selectivity and stable reproducibility. Hence in the current investigation, the detailed DBS sensing mechanism for RF sputtered MoO3 thin film is also discussed.},

keywords = {Dibutyl Sulfide, MoO thin film, mustard gas, openQCM sensors, RF magnetron Sputtering, ultraviolet light},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hunter2024covalent,

title = {Covalent Capture of Nanoparticle-Stabilized Oil Droplets via Acetal Chemistry Using a Hydrophilic Polymer Brush},

author = {Saul J Hunter and Evelin Csányi and Joshua JS Tyler and Mark A Newell and Matthew AH Farmer and Camery Ma and George Sanderson and Graham J Leggett and Edwin C Johnson and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c03897},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c03897},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-06},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Langmuir},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {We report the capture of nanosized oil droplets using a hydrophilic aldehyde-functional polymer brush. The brush was obtained via aqueous ARGET ATRP of a cis-diol-functional methacrylic monomer from a planar silicon wafer. This precursor was then selectively oxidized using an aqueous solution of NaIO4 to introduce aldehyde groups. The oil droplets were prepared by using excess sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles to prepare a relatively coarse squalane-in-water Pickering emulsion (mean droplet diameter = 20 μm). This precursor was then further processed via high-pressure microfluidization to produce ∼200 nm squalane droplets. We demonstrate that adsorption of these nanosized oil droplets involves acetal bond formation between the cis-diol groups located on the steric stabilizer chains and the aldehyde groups on the brush. This interaction occurs under relatively mild conditions and can be tuned by adjusting the solution pH. Hence this is a useful model system for understanding oil droplet interactions with soft surfaces.},

keywords = {Adsorption, lipids, Liquids, Nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, openQCM NEXT, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.1111/ijlh.14409,

title = {Platelet Reactivity to Zika and Dengue Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) Assessed by Flow Cytometry, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

author = {Alan Cano-Méndez and Gabriel Espinosa and Nallely García-Larragoiti and Pedro Antonio Maciel-García and Jorge Luis Menchaca-Arredondo and Young Chan-Kim and Arturo Reyes-Sandoval and Martha Eva Viveros-Sandoval},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijlh.14409},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1111/ijlh.14409},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-05},

journal = {International Journal of Laboratory Hematology},

volume = {n/a},

number = {n/a},

abstract = {ABSTRACT Background Platelets, besides being traditionally associated with hemostasis, have been recently positioned as immune cells. Alterations in platelet number and function have been reported in some viral infections. Zika virus (ZIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV) are arboviruses that encode for a non-structural protein 1 (NS1). NS1 is mainly involved in the viral replication process and can also be secreted by infected cells and has been associated with immune response evasion. The assessment of platelet reactivity against these viral agents and their proteins, through the use of different innovative technologies such as flow cytometry (FC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), will allow further study of the pathophysiology of these emerging diseases. Aim The aim of this study was to assess platelet reactivity to ZIKV and DENV NS1 protein through the use of FC, AFM, and QCM. Methods Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was stimulated with ZIKV and DENV NS1 protein in individual assays. The expression of P-selectin and the activity of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, platelet activation markers, were assessed by FC, morphological changes were assessed by AFM, and interaction between NS1 protein and platelet were evaluated by QCM. Results An increased expression of P-selectin and GP IIb-IIIa activity (p < 0.001) was observed when PRP was stimulated with ZIKV and DENV NS1 proteins. AFM images showed an increase in cell size and the appearance of pseudopods upon stimulation with the viral proteins. QCM results showed a significant increase in the oscillation frequency of the quartz precoated with ZIKV or DENV NS1 when PRP was injected (p < 0.001). Conclusion FC, AFM, and QCM are techniques that can be used in the study of platelet response to viral structures such as NS1 protein, broadening the range of existing methodologies in the study of these cells. It is imperative to study platelets in arboviral infections to better understand their involvement in these diseases.},

keywords = {dengue virus, non-structural 1 protein, openQCM Software, openQCM V1, platelet reactivity, platelets, zika virus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{DATTILO2024114408,

title = {Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant inhibition: an alternative approach to address the challenge of emerging zoonoses},

author = {Marco Dattilo and Francesco Patitucci and Marisa Francesca Motta and Sabrina Prete and Roberta Galeazzi and Silvia Franzè and Ida Perrotta and Mariangela Cavarelli and Ortensia Ilaria Parisi and Francesco Puoci},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927776524006672},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114408},

issn = {0927-7765},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-26},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces},

pages = {114408},

abstract = {ABSTRACT 

Emerging zoonoses pose significant public health risks and necessitate rapid and effective treatment responses. This study enhances the technology for preparing Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), which function as synthetic nanoparticles targeting SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), specifically the Omicron variant, thereby inhibiting its function. This study builds on previous findings by introducing precise adjustments in the formulation and process conditions to enhance particle stability and ensure better control over size and distribution, thereby overcoming the issues identified in earlier research. Following docking studies, imprinted nanoparticles were synthesized via inverse microemulsion polymerization and characterized in terms of size, morphology and surface charge. The selective recognition properties and ability of MIPs to obstruct the interaction between ACE2 and the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 were assessed in vitro, using Non-Imprinted Polymers (NIPs) as controls, and rebinding studies were conducted utilizing a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform dispersion and had a consistent diameter within the nanoscale range. MIPs demonstrated significant recognition properties and exhibited a concentration-dependent ability to reduce RBD binding to ACE2 without cytotoxic or sensitizing effects. MIPs-based platforms offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, therefore representing a versatile platform for managing emerging zoonoses.},

keywords = {Emulsion Polymerization, Molecular Recognition, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), Omicron Variant, openQCM NEXT, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SARS-CoV-2, Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{wang2024enhancing,

title = {Enhancing the Pressure-Sensitive Electrical Conductance of Self-Assembled Monolayers},

author = {Xintai Wang and Asma Alajmi and Zhangchenyu Wei and Mohammed Alzanbaqi and Naixu Wei and Colin Lambert and Ali Ismael},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsami.4c15796},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c15796},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-19},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {The inherent large HOMO–LUMO gap of alkyl thiol (CnS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has limited their application in molecular electronics. This work demonstrates significant enhancement of mechano-electrical sensitivity in CnS SAMs by external compression, achieving a gauge factor (GF) of approximately 10 for C10S SAMs. This GF surpasses values reported for conjugated wires and DNA strands, highlighting the potential of CnS SAMs in mechanosensitive devices. Conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM) investigations reveal a strong dependence of GF on the alkyl chain length in probe/CnS/Au junctions. This dependence arises from the combined influence of molecular tilting and probe penetration, facilitated by the low Young’s modulus of alkyl chains. Theoretical simulations corroborate these findings, demonstrating a shift in the electrode Fermi level toward the molecular resonance region with increasing chain length and compression. Introducing a rigid graphene interlayer prevents probe penetration, resulting in a GF that is largely independent of the alkyl chain length. This highlights the critical role of probe penetration in maximizing mechano-electrical sensitivity. These findings pave the way for incorporating CnS SAMs into mechanosensitive and mechanocontrollable molecular electronic devices, including touch-sensitive electronic skin and advanced sensor technologies. This work demonstrates the potential of tailoring mechanical and electrical properties of SAMs through molecular engineering and interface modifications for optimized performance in specific applications.},

keywords = {AFM, Atomic Force Microscopy, Gauge factor, openQCM, Penetration, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs), Tunnelling decay},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202414687,

title = {Acoustic Fingerprinting and Nanoslip Dynamics of Biofilms},

author = {Saikat Jana and Nikhil Bhalla},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.202414687},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202414687},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-12},

journal = {Advanced Functional Materials},

volume = {n/a},

number = {n/a},

pages = {2414687},

abstract = {Abstract It is reported that bacteria can generate nanomotion, but understanding the complex dynamics of bacterial colony gliding on solid interfaces has remained unresolved. Here, this work captures the real-time development and gliding of bacterial biofilms on vibrating solids made of piezoelectric quartz. The gliding, characterized by liquid slips, is measured in form of frequency and dissipation changes of the vibrating solid. These vibrations enable the generation of distinct acoustic fingerprints (sound/ music) of the three phases of biofilm development: viscoelastic strengthening, biofilm growth and biofilm stability. In adition, the effect of extracellular matrix secretion on the rigidity of the film and its nanoslip in each of the distinct biofilm developmental phases is quantified. This work provides a real-time, label-free method of quantifying bacteria biofilm dynamics and paves the way for developing libraries of acoustic signatures of bacteria and their metabolic products.},

keywords = {acoustics, bacteria-music, biofilms, mutation, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, vibrating-solids},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202409248,

title = {Long-Range Proton Channels Constructed via Hierarchical Peptide Self-Assembly},

author = {Semion Censor and Jorge Vega Martin and Ohad Silberbush and Samala Murali Mohan Reddy and Ran Zalk and Lonia Friedlander and Daniel G. Trabada and Jesús Mendieta and Guillaume Le Saux and Jesús Ignacio Mendieta Moreno and Linda Angela Zotti and José Ortega Mateo and Nurit Ashkenasy},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.202409248},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202409248},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-12},

journal = {Advanced Materials},

volume = {n/a},

number = {n/a},

pages = {2409248},

abstract = {Abstract The quest to understand and mimic proton translocation mechanisms in natural channels has driven the development of peptide-based artificial channels facilitating efficient proton transport across nanometric membranes. It is demonstrated here that hierarchical peptide self-assembly can form micrometers-long proton nanochannels. The fourfold symmetrical peptide design leverages intermolecular aromatic interactions to align self-assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes, creating hydrophilic nanochannels between them. Titratable amino acid sidechains are positioned adjacent to each other within the channels, enabling the formation of hydrogen-bonded chains upon hydration, and facilitating efficient proton transport. Moreover, these chains are enriched with protons and water molecules by interacting with immobile counter ions introduced into the channels, increasing proton flow density and rate. This system maintains proton transfer rates closely resembling those in natural protein channels over micrometer distances. The functional behavior of these inherently recyclable and biocompatible systems opens the door for their exploitation in diverse applications in energy storage and conversion, biomedicine, and bioelectronics.},

keywords = {Dissipation, molecular dynamic simulations, openQCM Q-1, peptides, proton channels, proton transport, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, self-assembly},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{maity2024steering,

title = {Steering diffusion selectivity of chemical isomers within aligned nanochannels of metal-organic framework thin film},

author = {Tanmoy Maity and Susmita Sarkar and Susmita Kundu and Suvendu Panda and Arighna Sarkar and Raheel Hammad and Kalyaneswar Mandal and Soumya Ghosh and Jagannath Mondal and Ritesh Haldar},

url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53207-3#citeas},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53207-3},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-08},

urldate = {2024-11-08},

journal = {Nature Communications},

volume = {15},

number = {1},

pages = {1--9},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},

abstract = {The movement of molecules (i.e. diffusion) within angstrom-scale pores of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites is influenced by multiple complex factors that can be challenging to assess and manipulate. Nevertheless, understanding and controlling this diffusion phenomenon is crucial for advancing energy-economic membrane-based chemical separation technologies, as well as for heterogeneous catalysis and sensing applications. Through precise assessment of the factors influencing diffusion within a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) thin film, we have developed a chemical strategy to manipulate and reverse chemical isomer diffusion selectivity. In the process of cognizing the molecular diffusion within oriented, angstrom-scale channels of MOF thin film, we have unveiled a dynamic chemical interaction between the adsorbate (chemical isomers) and the MOF using a combination of kinetic mass uptake experiments and molecular simulation. Leveraging the dynamic chemical interactions, we have reversed the haloalkane (positional) isomer diffusion selectivity, forging a chemical pathway to elevate the overall efficacy of membrane-based chemical separation and selective catalytic reactions.},

keywords = {chemical isomers, Diffusion Selectivity, metal-organic frameworks, Molecular Separation, Nano Channels, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{KATRIANI2024111532,

title = {Nanofiber-coated quartz crystal microbalance with chitosan overlay for highly sensitive room temperature ammonia gas sensor},

author = {Laila Katriani and Rizky Aflaha and Ahmad Hasan As’ari and Pekik Nurwantoro and Roto Roto and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026265X24016448},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2024.111532},

issn = {0026-265X},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-01},

urldate = {2024-11-01},

journal = {Microchemical Journal},

volume = {206},

pages = {111532},

abstract = {Ammonia is toxic and can pose health risks. Ensuring the safety of individuals working with or around ammonia sensors is crucial, adding complexity to the design and use of such sensors. An ammonia gas sensor by quartz crystal microbalance coated with chitosan-overlaid polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanofiber has been studied to have high performance in both sensitivity and selectivity. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to analyze the sensing surface, which was the electrospun PVAc nanofiber with chitosan overlay. The nanofiber showed a morphological change and had a more active layer after being overlaid by chitosan. The estimation of PVAc nanofiber thickness on the QCM sensor is (12.0 ± 2.1) µm, measured using a digital microscope. The QCM sensor deposited with PVAc nanofiber only had a sensitivity of 0.076 Hz·ppm−1. It improved to 3.012 Hz·ppm−1 after overlaid with 0.7 wt% chitosan (denoted as PVAc/Ch7 sensor), an increase of 39.6 times. Moreover, the PVAc/Ch7 sensor had a rapid response and recovery times of 9 and 35 s with a very low detection limit of 0.526 ppm. The sensor also exhibited good selectivity toward other analytes. In addition, the sensor also had outstanding in other performances, such as linearity, repeatability, reversibility, and excellent long-term stability. This proposed QCM-based ammonia sensor could be an alternative to analyzing ammonia in various fields.},

keywords = {Ammonia, Chitosan, Nanofiber, openq, openQCM sensors, PVAc, QCM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{FORINOVA2024110695b,

title = {A reusable QCM biosensor with stable antifouling nano-coating for on-site reagent-free rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in food products},

author = {Michala Forinová and Alina Pilipenco and N. Scott Lynn and Radka Obořilová and Hana Šimečková and Markéta Vrabcová and Monika Spasovová and Rachael Jack and Petr Horák and Milan Houska and Petr Skládal and Petr Šedivák and Zdeněk Farka and Hana Vaisocherová-Lísalová},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713524004122},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110695},

issn = {0956-7135},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-01},

urldate = {2024-11-15},

journal = {Food Control},

volume = {165},

pages = {110695},

abstract = {Numerous biosensors have shown exceptional analytical performance under laboratory conditions, yet only a few are capable of on-site use with complex, non-model samples while exhibiting reliable analytical performance. Here, we present a new portable biosensor for the rapid (30 min) and accurate detection of bacterial agents in “real-world” food samples, which are originally in either solid or liquid form. The biosensor combines well-established quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology, with innovative terpolymer brush nano-coatings on the sensing surface to efficiently reduce non-specific fouling from food samples. Following reagent-free sample preparation, where solid food samples are homogenized, we validated the sensor's detection capabilities on native pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) in hamburgers, Czech dumplings, and milk. We achieved limits of detection (LOD), as low as 7.5 × 102 CFU/mL in milk, a value approaching fundamental QCM limits, using a simple direct detection assay format. The biosensor's exceptional reusability was demonstrated through 60 sequential hamburger sample injections, resulting in only a minor LOD shift toward the end of series. A 10-min sonication treatment during sample preparation significantly enhanced sensitivity for E. coli O157:H7 in hamburgers and dumplings, yielding LODs as low as 3.1 × 10³ CFU/mL and 2.6 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, respectively. For on-site analysis, we integrated the nano-coated sensing chip into a custom-built four-channel portable QCM biosensor with an optimized microfluidic system, which can be produced on a scale suitable for practical deployment.},

keywords = {Antifouling coating, O157:H7 detection, On-site analysis, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM biosensor, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Reusability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{PRASETYA2024115713,

title = {Investigation of the free-base Zr-porphyrin MOFs as relative humidity sensors for an indoor setting},

author = {Nicholaus Prasetya and Salih Okur},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424724007076},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2024.115713},

issn = {0924-4247},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-10-16},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical},

volume = {377},

pages = {115713},

abstract = {Maintaining optimal relative humidity is paramount for human comfort. Therefore, the utilization of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a relative humidity sensor platform holds significant promise due to its cost-effectiveness and high sensitivity. This study explores the efficacy of three free-base Zr porphyrin metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) - namely MOF-525, MOF-545, and NU-902 - as sensitive materials for QCM-based relative humidity sensors. Our extended experimental findings reveal that these materials exhibit notable sensitivity, particularly within relative humidity ranges of 40–100 %. However, we observe potential irreversible adsorption sites within the MOF-545 framework, hindering its ability to revert to its initial state after prolonged exposure. In light of this observation, we conduct periodic cycling experiments at relative humidity levels of 40–70 % to evaluate the measurement repeatability and feasibility of these sensors for indoor applications. Interestingly, the periodic cycling study demonstrates that MOF-545 shows promising repeatability, positioning it as a strong contender for indoor relative humidity sensing. In contrast, MOF-525 may necessitate extended desorption time, and NU-902 displays diminished sensitivity at low relative humidity levels. Nevertheless, a preliminary treatment of the MOF-545 QCM sensor may be necessary to address irreversible adsorption sites and uphold measurement repeatability, as only reversible adsorption sites are currently accessible. This study underscores the potential of MOF-based QCM sensors for effective relative humidity monitoring in indoor environments, thus facilitating improved comfort and environmental control.},

keywords = {Adsorption, QCM Sensor SiO2, QCM sensors, Relative humidity, SiO2, Zr-porphyrin metal-organic framework},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{baruah2024point,

title = {Point of care devices for detection of Covid-19, malaria and dengue infections: A review},

author = {Susmita Baruah and CA Betty},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567539424000665},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108704},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-08-01},

urldate = {2024-08-01},

journal = {Bioelectrochemistry},

pages = {108704},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Need for affordable, rapid and user-friendly point of care (POC) devices are increasing exponentially for strengthening the health care system in primary care as well as for self- monitoring in routine analysis. In addition to routine analysis of glucose, Covid-19 type fast spreading, infectious diseases have created further push for exploring rapid, cost-effective and self-monitoring diagnostic devices. Successful implementation of self-monitoring devices for Covid −19 has been realized. However, not much success has been realized for malaria and dengue which are two fatal diseases that affect the population in underdeveloped and developing countries. To monitor the presence of parasites for these diseases, rapid, onsite monitoring devices are still being explored. In this review, we present a review of the research carried out on electrochemical POC devices for monitoring infectious diseases such as Covid-19, malaria and dengue.



},

keywords = {Covid −19, Dengue, openQCM, POC diagnostic devices, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{FORINOVA2024110695,

title = {A reusable QCM biosensor with stable antifouling nano-coating for on-site reagent-free rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in food products},

author = {Michala Forinová and Alina Pilipenco and N. Scott Lynn and Radka Obořilová and Hana Šimečková and Markéta Vrabcová and Monika Spasovová and Rachael Jack and Petr Horák and Milan Houska and Petr Skládal and Petr Šedivák and Zdeněk Farka and Hana Vaisocherová-Lísalová},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713524004122},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110695},

issn = {0956-7135},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-07-01},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Food Control},

pages = {110695},

abstract = {Numerous biosensors have shown exceptional analytical performance under laboratory conditions, yet only a few are capable of on-site use with complex, non-model samples while exhibiting reliable analytical performance. Here, we present a new portable biosensor for the rapid (30 min) and accurate detection of bacterial agents in "real-world" food samples, which are originally in either solid or liquid form. The biosensor combines well-established quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology, with innovative terpolymer brush nano-coatings on the sensing surface to efficiently reduce non-specific fouling from food samples. Following reagent-free sample preparation, where solid food samples are homogenized, we validated the sensor's detection capabilities on native pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) in hamburgers, Czech dumplings, and milk. We achieved limits of detection (LOD), as low as 7.5 × 102 CFU/mL in milk, a value approaching fundamental QCM limits, using a simple direct detection assay format. The biosensor's exceptional reusability was demonstrated through 60 sequential hamburger sample injections, resulting in only a minor LOD shift toward the end of the series. A 10-minute sonication treatment during sample preparation significantly enhanced sensitivity for E. coli O157:H7 in hamburgers and dumplings, yielding LODs as low as 3.1 × 10³ CFU/mL and 2.6 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, respectively. For on-site analysis, we integrated the nano-coated sensing chip into a custom-built four-channel portable QCM biosensor with an optimized microfluidic system, which can be produced on a scale suitable for practical deployment.},

keywords = {Antifouling coating, O157:H7 detection, On-site analysis, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM biosensor, Reusability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{karchilakis2024capturing,

title = {Capturing Enzyme-Loaded Diblock Copolymer Vesicles Using an Aldehyde-Functionalized Hydrophilic Polymer Brush},

author = {Georgios Karchilakis and Spyridon Varlas and Edwin C Johnson and Oleta Norvilaite and Matthew AH Farmer and George Sanderson and Graham J Leggett and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01561},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01561},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-06-27},

urldate = {2024-06-27},

journal = {Langmuir},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Compared to lipids, block copolymer vesicles are potentially robust nanocontainers for enzymes owing to their enhanced chemical stability, particularly in challenging environments. Herein we report that cis-diol-functional diblock copolymer vesicles can be chemically adsorbed onto a hydrophilic aldehyde-functional polymer brush via acetal bond formation under mild conditions (pH 5.5, 20 °C). Quartz crystal microbalance studies indicated an adsorbed amount, Γ, of 158 mg m–2 for vesicle adsorption onto such brushes, whereas negligible adsorption (Γ = 0.1 mg m–2) was observed for a control experiment conducted using a cis-diol-functionalized brush. Scanning electron microscopy and ellipsometry studies indicated a mean surface coverage of around 30% at the brush surface, which suggests reasonably efficient chemical adsorption. Importantly, such vesicles can be conveniently loaded with a model enzyme (horseradish peroxidase, HRP) using an aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly formulation. Moreover, the immobilized vesicles remained permeable toward small molecules while retaining their enzyme payload. The enzymatic activity of such HRP-loaded vesicles was demonstrated using a well-established colorimetric assay. In principle, this efficient vesicle-on-brush strategy can be applied to a wide range of enzymes and functional proteins for the design of next-generation immobilized nanoreactors for enzyme-mediated catalysis.},

keywords = {Adsorption, openQCM NEXT, peptides, proteins, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, RAFT polymerization, Thickness, Vesicles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{juste2024real,

title = {Real-world evaluation of a QCM-based biosensor for exhaled air},

author = {Augusto Juste-Dolz and William Teixeira and Yeray Pallás-Tamarit and Mario Carballido-Fernández and Javier Carrascosa and Ángela Morán-Porcar and Mar'ia Ángeles Redón-Badenas and Mar'ia Gracia Pla-Roses and Mar'ia Dolores Tirado-Balaguer and Mar'ia José Remolar-Quintana and others},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-024-05407-5},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-024-05407-5},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-06-26},

urldate = {2024-06-26},

journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry},

pages = {1--15},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {The biosensor, named “virusmeter” in this study, integrates quartz crystal microbalance technology with an immune-functionalized chip to distinguish between symptomatic patients with respiratory diseases and healthy individuals by analyzing exhaled air samples. Renowned for its compact design, rapidity, and noninvasive nature, this device yields results within a 5-min timeframe. Evaluated under controlled conditions with 54 hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients and 128 control subjects, the biosensor demonstrated good overall sensitivity (98.15%, 95% CI 90.1–100.0) and specificity (96.87%, 95% CI 92.2–99.1). This proof-of-concept presents an innovative approach with significant potential for leveraging piezoelectric sensors to diagnose respiratory diseases.},

keywords = {COVID-19, openQCM Q-1, QCM-D, respiratory diseases, virusmeter},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{javadzadehkalkhoran2024preparation,

title = {Preparation and Characterization of Affordable Experimental Setup for Particulate Matter Sensing},

author = {Majid Javadzadehkalkhoran and Levent Trabzon},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11220-024-00479-0},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s11220-024-00479-0},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-20},

urldate = {2024-05-20},

journal = {Sensing and Imaging},

volume = {25},

number = {1},

pages = {29},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {The interest in particulate matter (PM) sensors has significantly increased over the last decade. It is crucial to have a proper experimental setup to test these sensors. However, most devices used in PM test setups, both for generating and measuring PM, are bulky and expensive. This study aims to solve this issue by designing a cost-effective experimental setup. The setup includes a custom-made PM generator, small-sized laser and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. The PM generator can produce PM from three different sources: dry powder, liquid suspension, and combustion. The QCM is used to overcome the limitations of laser sensors for sensing ultra-fine particles. Moreover, the performance of the QCM sensor has been investigated with various PM sources and ambient conditions. The study reveals that the QCM response can be influenced by the PM source and ambient conditions. Changes in PM composition and size significantly impact the QCM response. Additionally, relative humidity (RH) can alter the sensor response by up to 22%. While the temperature change in the flow has an insignificant effect on the bare QCM response, increasing the temperature from 25 °C to 30 °C results in a 12% change in the QCM response for the grease-coated sensor. Notably, the QCM sensor demonstrates the best response with small-sized smoke PMs, with the least impact from ambient conditions. The laser sensors work very well with large particles; however, they struggle with small-sized smoke PMs.},

keywords = {air quality, openQCM Q-1, Particulate matter, PM, PM generator, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{KUNCAK2024115501,

title = {Automating data classification for label-free point-of-care biosensing in real complex samples},

author = {Jakub Kunčák and Michala Forinová and Alina Pilipenco and Viktor Procházka and Petr Horák and Sofya Dmitrievna Sycheva and Ivan Gennadievich Deyneka and Hana Vaisocherová-Lísalová},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424724004953},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2024.115501},

issn = {0924-4247},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-19},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical},

pages = {115501},

abstract = {Surface-based affinity biosensors present a promising avenue for point-of-care (POC) pathogen detection in real-world samples. While laboratory-based devices commonly employ various techniques to mitigate noise, signal drifts, fluidic artifacts, and other system imperfections, their simple cost-effective POC counterparts designed for field use frequently lack such capabilities. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a procedure for automatically classifying pathogen presence in unprocessed liquids from direct detection data measured by a simple POC quartz crystal microbalance sensor device. The procedure integrates classical analytical tools such as filtering, data selection, baseline de-drifting, and result calculation in tailored successive steps, considering the nature of the sensor signal and the challenges posed by real-world media. We show that the developed procedure exhibits exceptional robustness across different biosensing assays and complex real-world media. Through optimizing parameters using diverse datasets encompassing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) and SARS-CoV-2 detection in various media including food-derived matrices and cell culture media, we achieved rates of successful detection as high as 80.8% and 90.9% for E. coli and SARS-CoV-2, respectively, without extensive machine learning. Furthermore, we analyse the sensitivity of the procedure to variations of input parameters and with examples discuss key factors influencing overall procedure accuracy. Our results suggest that this exceptionally robust method holds potential as a straightforward tool for automating sample classification in point-of-care diagnostics, underpinning its promising broader applicability.},

keywords = {. O157:H7, automatic data classification, Detection of pathogens, openQCM Q-1, Point-of-care biosensors, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SARS-CoV-2},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{buksa2024arginine,

title = {Arginine-Functional Methacrylic Block Copolymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption onto a Model Planar Substrate},

author = {Hubert Buksa and Edwin C Johnson and Derek HH Chan and Rory J McBride and George Sanderson and Rebecca M Corrigan and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00128?goto=supporting-info},

doi = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00128?goto=supporting-info},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-02},

urldate = {2024-05-02},

journal = {Biomacromolecules},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Recently, we reported the synthesis of a hydrophilic aldehyde-functional methacrylic polymer (Angew. Chem., 2021, 60, 12032–12037). Herein we demonstrate that such polymers can be reacted with arginine in aqueous solution to produce arginine-functional methacrylic polymers without recourse to protecting group chemistry. Careful control of the solution pH is essential to ensure regioselective imine bond formation; subsequent reductive amination leads to a hydrolytically stable amide linkage. This new protocol was used to prepare a series of arginine-functionalized diblock copolymer nanoparticles of varying size via polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media. Adsorption of these cationic nanoparticles onto silica was monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance. Strong electrostatic adsorption occurred at pH 7 (Γ = 14.7 mg m–2), whereas much weaker adsorption occurred at pH 3 (Γ = 1.9 mg m–2). These findings were corroborated by electron microscopy, which indicated a surface coverage of 42% at pH 7 but only 5% at pH 3},

keywords = {aldehyde-functional, nanoparticles, openQCM NEXT, polymers, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{al2024development,

title = {Development of Poly (safranine-co-phenosafranine)/GNPs/MWCNTs Nanocomposites for Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor Detection of Arsenic (III) Ions},

author = {Salsabeel Al-Sodies and Abdullah M Asiri and Sameh Ismail and Khalid A Alamry and Mahmoud Hussein Abdo},

url = {https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2053-1591/ad37a5/meta},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-04-12},

urldate = {2024-04-12},

journal = {Materials Research Express},

abstract = {Contamination of drinking water by heavy metals is extremely dangerous to human health. The formation of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for the rapid and portable detection of harmful heavy metals such as arsenic (As) ions in water samples is detailed in this work. Equimolar ratios of safranine (SF) and phenosafranine (Ph) copolymers (PSF-Ph) were synthesized via a chemical oxidative polymerization approach. The copolymer was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at different percentages (1, 3, 5, and 10%) to form nanocomposites of PSF-Ph/MWCNTs/GNPs. Thermal analysis of the nanocomposites revealed that the final polymer decomposition temperature (PDTfinal) values fell between 619 and 630 °C, and the nanocomposite with 10% loading exhibited the highest decomposition temperatures for T10, T30, and T50. The nanohybrid QCM sensor detected As(III) down to parts-per-billion levels based on the change in the oscillation frequency. The sensor was tested on water samples spiked with different concentrations of As(III) (0–20 ppb). A strong linear correlation (R2 ≈ 0.99) between the frequency shift and concentration with a low detection limit (0.1 ppb) validated the quantitative detection capability of the sensor. This QCM platform with an optimal recognition ligand is a promising field-deployable tool for on-site arsenic analysis in water.},

keywords = {contamination, Drinking water, GNPs (Graphene Nanoplatelets), MWCNTs (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes), Nanocomposites, openQCM sensors, Poly(phenosafranine), Poly(safranine), QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{prasetya2024investigation,

title = {Investigation of the Free-Base Zr-Porphyrin MOFs as Humidity Sensors for an Indoor Setting},

author = {Nicholaus Prasetya and Salih Okur},

url = {https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6608e3c466c138172950e040},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-1jwr7},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-04-01},

urldate = {2024-04-01},

abstract = {Maintaining optimal relative humidity is paramount for human comfort. Therefore, the utilization of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a humidity sensor platform holds significant promise due to its cost-effectiveness and high sensitivity. This study explores the efficacy of three free-base Zr porphyrin metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) - namely MOF-525, MOF-545, and NU-902 - as sensitive materials for QCM-based humidity sensors. Our extended experimental findings reveal that these materials exhibit notable sensitivity, particularly within relative humidity ranges of 40% to 100%. However, we observe potential irreversible adsorption sites within the MOF-545 framework, hindering its ability to revert to its initial state after prolonged exposure. In light of this observation, we conduct periodic cycling experiments at relative humidity levels of 40-70% to evaluate the measurement repeatability and feasibility of these sensors for indoor applications. Interestingly, the periodic cycling study demonstrates that MOF-545 shows promising repeatability, positioning it as a strong contender for indoor humidity sensing. In contrast, MOF-525 may necessitate extended desorption time, and NU-902 displays diminished sensitivity at low relative humidity levels. Nevertheless, a preliminary treatment of the MOF-545 QCM sensor may be necessary to address irreversible adsorption sites and uphold measurement repeatability, as only reversible adsorption sites are currently accessible. This study underscores the potential of MOF-based QCM sensors for effective humidity monitoring in indoor environments, thus facilitating improved comfort and environmental control.},

keywords = {Adsorption, humidity, openQCM, QCM, QCM sensor, Zr-porphyrin metal organic frameworks},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{haldar2024steering,

title = {Steering diffusion selectivity of chemical isomers within aligned nanochannels of metal-organic framework thin film},

author = {Ritesh Haldar and Tanmoy Maity and Susmita Sarkar and Susmita Kundu and Suvendu Panda and Arighna Sarkar and Kalyaneswar Mandal and Soumya Ghosh and Jagannath Mondal},

url = {https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4046811/v1},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4046811/v1},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-21},

urldate = {2024-03-21},

abstract = {The movement of molecules (i.e. diffusion) within angstrom-scale pores of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites is influenced by multiple complex factors that can be challenging to assess and manipulate. Nevertheless, understanding and controlling this diffusion phenomenon is crucial for advancing energy-economic membrane-based chemical separation technologies, as well as for heterogeneous catalysis and sensing applications. Through precise assessment of the factors influencing diffusion within a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) thin film, we have developed a chemical strategy to manipulate and reverse chemical isomer diffusion selectivity. In the process of cognizing the molecular diffusion within oriented, angstrom-scale channels of MOF thin film, we have unveiled a dynamic chemical interaction between the adsorbate (chemical isomers) and the MOF using a combination of kinetic mass uptake experiments and molecular simulation. Leveraging the dynamic chemical interactions, we have reversed the haloalkane (positional) isomer diffusion selectivity, forging a novel chemical pathway to elevate the overall efficacy of membrane-based chemical separation and selective catalytic reactions.},

keywords = {Metal organic frameworks, MOFs, molecular diffusion, nanoporous materials, openQCM sensors, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{kunvcak2024automating,

title = {Automating Data Analysis for Point-of-Care Label-Free Surface-Based Affinity Biosensors Dealing with Complex Biological Samples: Escherichia Coli O157: H7 and Sars-Cov-2 Case Studies},

author = {Jakub Kunčák and Michala Forinová and Alina Pilipenco and Viktor Procházka and Petr Horák and Sycheva Sofya Dmitrievna and Ivan Gennadievich Deyneka and Hana Vaisocherová-L'isalová},

url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4756321},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-20},

urldate = {2024-03-20},

journal = {Available at SSRN 4756321},

abstract = {Surface-based affinity biosensors offer a promising avenue for point-of-care (POC) detection of pathogens in real-world samples. While laboratory-based devices commonly employ various techniques to compensate for noise, signal drifts, fluidic artifacts, and other system imperfections, their POC counterparts aiming at providing simple cost-effective detection platforms for field use, often lack these qualities. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a procedure for automatic classification of pathogen presence in unprocessed liquids from direct detection data measured by a simple POC-relevant quartz crystal microbalance sensor device.  By considering the nature of the sensor signal and the sources of its imperfections in real-world media, a straightforward procedure integrates “classical” analytical tools (filtering, data selection, baseline de-drifting, and result calculation) in successive steps to automate sample classification without the need for extensive machine learning. Through optimizing parameters using diverse datasets encompassing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) and SARS-CoV-2 detection in various media including food-derived matrices and cell culture media, we achieved rates of successful detection as high as 80.8% and 90.9% for E. coli and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. Furthermore, we analyse the sensitivity of the routine to variations of input parameters and with examples discuss the key factors influencing the accuracy of the overall procedure. The results show that the developed method exhibits exceptional robustness across different biosensing assays and complex real-world media, highlighting its promising broader applicability in point-of-care diagnostics.},

keywords = {automatic data classification, Detection of pathogens, E. coli O157:H7, openQCM, openQCM Q-1, Point-of-care biosensors, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SARS-CoV-2},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{sehit2024computationally,

title = {Computationally Designed Epitope-Mediated Imprinted Polymers versus Conventional Epitope Imprints for the Detection of Human Adenovirus in Water and Human Serum Samples},

author = {Ekin Sehit and Guiyang Yao and Giovanni Battocchio and Rahil Radfar and Jakob Trimpert and Maria A Mroginski and Roderich Süssmuth and Zeynep Altintas},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssensors.3c02374},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.3c02374},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-15},

urldate = {2024-03-15},

journal = {ACS sensors},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Detection of pathogenic viruses for point-of-care applications has attracted great attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Current virus diagnostic tools are laborious and expensive, while requiring medically trained staff. Although user-friendly and cost-effective biosensors are utilized for virus detection, many of them rely on recognition elements that suffer major drawbacks. Herein, computationally designed epitope-imprinted polymers (eIPs) are conjugated with a portable piezoelectric sensing platform to establish a sensitive and robust biosensor for the human pathogenic adenovirus (HAdV). The template epitope is selected from the knob part of the HAdV capsid, ensuring surface accessibility. Computational simulations are performed to evaluate the conformational stability of the selected epitope. Further, molecular dynamics simulations are executed to investigate the interactions between the epitope and the different functional monomers for the smart design of eIPs. The HAdV epitope is imprinted via the solid-phase synthesis method to produce eIPs using in silico-selected ingredients. The synthetic receptors show a remarkable detection sensitivity (LOD: 102 pfu mL–1) and affinity (dissociation constant (Kd): 6.48 × 10–12 M) for HAdV. Moreover, the computational eIPs lead to around twofold improved binding behavior than the eIPs synthesized with a well-established conventional recipe. The proposed computational strategy holds enormous potential for the intelligent design of ultrasensitive imprinted polymer binders.},

keywords = {Antigens, Drinking water, epitope imprinting, in silico-designed epitope-mediated adenovirus receptors, molecular dynamics, Monomers, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM sensor, Receptors, sensors, virus detection},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{skladal2024piezoelectric,

title = {Piezoelectric biosensors: shedding light on principles and applications},

author = {Petr Skládal},

url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10920441/},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00604-024-06257-9},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-07},

urldate = {2024-03-07},

journal = {Microchimica Acta},

volume = {191},

number = {4},

pages = {184},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {The three decades of experience with piezoelectric devices applied in the field of bioanalytical chemistry are shared. After introduction to principles and suitable measuring approaches, active and passive methods based on oscillators and impedance analysis, respectively, the focus is directed towards biosensing approaches. Immunosensing examples are provided, followed by other affinity sensing approaches based on hybridization of nucleic acids, aptamers, monitoring of enzyme activities, and detection of pathogenic microbes. The combination of piezosensors with cell lines and testing of drugs is highlighted, including mechanically active cells. The combination of piezosensors with other measuring techniques providing original hybrid devices is briefly discussed.},

keywords = {Cellular biosensors, Combined biosensing set-ups, Enzyme activity, Immunosensors, Microbial detection, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{astier2024controlling,

title = {Controlling Adsorption of Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles onto an Aldehyde-Functionalized Hydrophilic Polymer Brush via pH Modulation},

author = {Samuel Astier and Edwin C Johnson and Oleta Norvilaite and Spyridon Varlas and Emma E Brotherton and George Sanderson and Graham J Leggett and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03392},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03392},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-02-06},

urldate = {2024-02-06},

journal = {Langmuir},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles with a well-defined spherical morphology and tunable diameter were prepared by RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate at 70 °C. The steric stabilizer precursor used for these syntheses contained pendent cis-diol groups, which means that such nanoparticles can react with a suitable aldehyde-functional surface via acetal bond formation. This principle is examined herein by growing an aldehyde-functionalized polymer brush from a planar silicon wafer and studying the extent of nanoparticle adsorption onto this model substrate from aqueous solution at 25 °C using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The adsorbed amount, Γ, depends on both the nanoparticle diameter and the solution pH, with minimal adsorption observed at pH 7 or 10 and substantial adsorption achieved at pH 4. Variable-temperature QCM studies provide strong evidence for chemical adsorption, while scanning electron microscopy images recorded for the nanoparticle-coated brush surface after drying indicate mean surface coverages of up to 62%. This fundamental study extends our understanding of the chemical adsorption of nanoparticles on soft substrates.},

keywords = {Adsorption, Copolymers, nanoparticles, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D, Silicon, Solution chemistry},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{okur2024optimized,

title = {Optimized Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds Utilizing Durable and Selective Arrays of Tailored UiO-66-X SURMOF Sensors},

author = {Salih Okur and Tawheed Hashem and Evgenia Bogdanova and Patrick Hodapp and Lars Heinke and Stefan Bräse and Christof Wöll},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acssensors.3c01575},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.3c01575},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-02-06},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {ACS sensors},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with their well-defined and highly flexible nanoporous architectures, provide a material platform ideal for fabricating sensors. We demonstrate that the efficacy and specificity of detecting and differentiating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be significantly enhanced using a range of slightly varied MOFs. These variations are obtained via postsynthetic modification (PSM) of a primary framework. We alter the original MOF’s guest adsorption affinities by incorporating functional groups into the MOF linkers, which yields subtle changes in responses. These responses are subsequently evaluated by using machine learning (ML) techniques. Under severe conditions, such as high humidity and acidic environments, sensor stability and lifespan are of utmost importance. The UiO-66-X MOFs demonstrate the necessary durability in acidic, neutral, and basic environments with pH values ranging from 2 to 11, thus surpassing most other similar materials. The UiO-66-NH2 thin films were deposited on quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors in a high-temperature QCM liquid cell using a layer-by-layer pump method. Three different, highly stable surface-anchored MOFs (SURMOFs) of UiO-66-X obtained via the PSM approach (X: NH2, Cl, and N3) were employed to fabricate arrays suitable for electronic nose applications. These fabricated sensors were tested for their capability to distinguish between eight VOCs. Data from the sensor array were processed using three distinct ML techniques: linear discriminant (LDA), nearest neighbor (k-NN), and neural network analysis methods. The discrimination accuracies achieved were nearly 100% at high concentrations and over 95% at lower concentrations (50–100 ppm).},

keywords = {Adsorption, Liquids, Metal organic frameworks, openQCM Q-1, QCM-D, sensors, Volatile organic compounds},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{gutierrez2023combined,

title = {A combined experimental and DFT study on the zero valent iron/reduced graphene oxide doped QCM sensor for determination of trace concentrations of As using a Flow-batch system},

author = {Julián Gutiérrez and Yael N Robein and Julián Juan and Mar'ia S Di Nezio and Carolina Pistonesi and Estela A González and Rodrigo Santos and Marcelo F Pistonesi},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925400523019512},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2023.135233},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-30},

urldate = {2023-12-30},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical},

pages = {135233},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {A sensor based on a gold Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) modified with nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) anchored to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was developed. An automated measurement microsystem was employed using QCM (modified and unmodified) as an arsine detector device. The QCM measurements of frequency changes are associated with total As concentration (III/V) in the samples. The gold surface QCM modification with nZVI/rGO improved the sensitivity in total As determination. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.0062 

 for QCM-Au/nZVI/rGO, 100 times higher than the unmodified QCM-Au sensor. Moreover, studies of adsorption energy and electron density of As with QCM-Au/nZVI/rGO and QCM-Au systems were performed. For this purpose, Density Functional Theory (DFT) methodology was used employing arsine adsorption on magnetite nanoparticles supported on graphene, and also on Au as models. This theoretical-experimental research allows us to acquire knowledge of the interaction of Au/nZVI/rGO with As and confirms the experimental results.},

keywords = {Arsenic, Functional Theory (DFT) Calculations, LOD, nZVI/rGO, openQCM, QCM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{liu2023prior,

title = {Prior Guided Multi-Scale Dynamic Deblurring Network for Diffraction Image Restoration in Droplet Measurement},

author = {Qiangqiang Liu and Jiankui Chen and Hua Yang and Zhouping Yin},

url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10363398},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2023.3343743},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-18},

urldate = {2023-12-18},

journal = {IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement},

publisher = {IEEE},

abstract = {High-precision measurement of micrometer-scale flying droplets is demanded in inkjet printing manufacturing. However, the measurement accuracy is limited by droplet image degradation caused by optical diffraction and actual imaging conditions. Most existing image restoration methods focus on defocus blur and motion blur and pay less attention to diffraction degradation, which cannot handle real-world complex degradation well. In this study, to address the challenges in droplet image restoration, we propose a diffraction-Gaussian degradation framework to simulate actual degradation and a prior guided multiscale dynamic deblurring network (PDDN) for image restoration. PDDN explicitly utilizes degradation prior information with the proposed fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based prior extraction (FPE) module and the multiscale dynamic deblurring (MSDD) module. FPE extracts the degradation prior with the combination of Weiner deconvolution and deep learning. MSDD restores intermediate features using kernel prediction-based dynamic convolution under the guidance of the learned prior. PDDN employs a U-shaped Transformer architecture along with prior guided dynamic deblurring to achieve nonblind deblurring. Experiments on four synthesized datasets demonstrate that PDDN achieves state-of-the-art performance in diffraction image restoration. The effectiveness of the degradation framework and PDDN is proved in real-world image restoration, with droplet measurement accuracy improved from 3% to 2.42%.},

keywords = {Calibration, Diffraction, droplet measurement, openQCM, Optical diffraction, QCM, Transformers},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pardi2023.12.15.571789,

title = {pyQCM-BraTaDio: A tool for visualization, data mining, and modelling of Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation data},

author = {Brandon M. Pardi and Syeda Tajin Ahmed and Silvia Jonguitud Flores and Warren Flores and Laura L. E. Mears and Bernardo Yá nez Soto and Roberto C. Andresen Eguiluz},

url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2023/12/15/2023.12.15.571789},

doi = {10.1101/2023.12.15.571789},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-15},

urldate = {2023-12-15},

journal = {bioRxiv},

publisher = {Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory},

abstract = {Here, we present a Python based software that allows for the rapid visualization, data mining, and basic model applications of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation data. Our implementation begins with a Tkinter GUI to prompt the user for all required information, such as file name/location, selection of baseline time, and overtones for visualization (with customization capabilities). These inputs are then fed to a workflow that will use the baseline time to scrub and temporally shift data using the Pandas and Numpy libraries and carry out the plot options for visualization. The last stage consists of an interactive plot, that presents the data and allows the user to select ranges in MatPlotLib-generated panels, followed by application of data models, including Sauerbrey, thin films in liquid, among others, that are carried out with NumPy and SciPy. The implementation of this software allows for simple and expedited data analysis, in lieu of time consuming and labor-intensive spreadsheet analysis.View this table:Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.},

keywords = {GUI, MatPlotLib, openQCM, pyQCM-BraTaDio, Python, QCM-D, Software},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{millan2023degradation,

title = {Degradation kinetics of medium chain length Polyhydroxyalkanoate degrading enzyme: a quartz crystal microbalance study},

author = {Fabien Millan and Nils Hanik},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1303267/full},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1303267},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-14},

urldate = {2023-12-14},

journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology},

volume = {11},

pages = {1303267},

publisher = {Frontiers Media SA},

abstract = {This study investigates the enzymatic degradation processes of different classes of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a group of biopolymers naturally synthesized by various microorganisms. Medium chain length PHAs (mcl-PHAs) are distinguished biopolymers due to their biodegradability and diverse material properties. Using quartz crystal microbalance measurements as a valuable tool for accurate real-time monitoring of the enzymatic degradation process, the research provides detailed kinetic data, describing the interaction between enzymes and substrates during the enzymatic degradation process. Thin films of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyoctanoate copolymer (PHO), containing molar fractions of about 84% 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 16% 3-hydroxyhexanoate, were exposed to scl-depolymerases from Pseudomonas lemoignei LMG 2207 and recombinant mcl-depolymerase produced in Escherichia coli DH5α harboring the plasmid pMAD8, respectively. Analyses based on a heterogeneous kinetic model for the polymer degradation indicated a six-fold stronger adsorption equilibrium constant of mcl-depolymerase to PHO. Conversely, the degradation rate constant was approximately twice as high for scl-depolymerases acting on PHB. Finally, the study highlights the differences in enzyme-substrate interactions and degradation mechanisms between the investigated scl- and mcl-PHAs.},

keywords = {biodegradable polymers, degradation kinetics, depolymerase enzymes, enzymatic degradation, openQCM, openQCM Q-1, polyhydroxyalkanoates, Python, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{saffari2023signal,

title = {Signal amplification of a quartz crystal microbalance immunosensor by gold nanoparticles-polyethyleneimine for hepatitis B biomarker detection},

author = {Zahra Saffari and Reza Ahangari Cohan and Mina Sepahi and Mahdi Sadeqi and Mehdi Khoobi and Mojtaba Hamidi Fard and Amir Ghavidel and Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri and Mohammad Reza Aghasadeghi and Dariush Norouzian},

url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-48766-2},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48766-2},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-09},

urldate = {2023-12-09},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {13},

number = {1},

pages = {21851},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK London},

abstract = {The procedures currently used for hepatitis B (HB) detection are not suitable for screening, clinical diagnosis, and point-of-care testing (POCT). Therefore, we developed and tested a QCM-based immunosensor by surface modification with AuNP-PEIs to amplify the signal and provide an oriented-immobilization surface. The AuNP-PEIs were characterized by ICP-Mass, UV/Vis, DLS, FE-SEM, and ATR-FTIR. After coating AuNP-PEIs on the gold electrode surface, anti-HBsAg antibodies were immobilized using NHS/EDC chemistry based on response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. The efficiency of the immunosensor was assessed by human sera and data were compared to gold-standard ELISA using receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis. FE-SEM, AFM, EDS, and EDS mapping confirmed AuNP-PEIs are homogeneously distributed on the surface with a high density and purity. After antibody immobilization, the immunosensor exhibited good recognition of HBsAg with a calibration curve of ∆F =  − 6.910e-7x + 10(R2 = 0.9905), a LOD of 1.49 ng/mL, and a LOQ of 4.52 ng/mL. The immunosensor yielded reliable and accurate results with a specificity of 100% (95% CI 47.8–100.0) and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 96.2–100.0). In conclusion, the fabricated immunosensor has the potential as an analytic tool with high sensitivity and specificity. However, further investigations are needed to convert it to a tiny lab-on-chip for HB diagnosis in clinical samples.},

keywords = {biomarker, hepatitis B, immunosensor, nanoparticles-polyethyleneimine, openQCM, openQCM sensors, QCM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{wood2023phage,

title = {Phage display against two-dimensional metal-organic nanosheets as a new route to highly selective biomolecular recognition surfaces},

author = {Amelia C Wood and Edwin C Johnson and Ram RR Prasad and Mark V Sullivan and Nicholas W Turner and Steven P Armes and Sarah S Staniland and Jonathan A Foster},

url = {https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6570ea7c29a13c4d47ce600d},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-6dhn7},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-08},

urldate = {2023-12-08},

abstract = {Peptides are important biomarkers for a range of diseases, however distinguishing different amino-acid sequences using artificial receptors remains a major challenge in biomedical sensing. Here we present a new approach to creating highly selective recognition surfaces using phage display biopanning against metal-organic nanosheets (MONs) and demonstrate their use as the next-generation of biomolecular recognition surfaces. Three MONs (ZIF-7, ZIF-7-NH2 and Hf-BTB-NH2) were chosen as initial targets to demonstrate how simple synthetic modifications can enhance selectivity towards specific amino acid sequences. Each MON system was added to a solution containing every possible combination of 7-residue peptides attached to bacteriophage hosts and the highest affinity binding peptides for each system was identified via successive biopanning rounds. In each case only a single peptide sequence was isolated (YNYRNLL – ZIF-7, NNWWAPA – ZIF-7-NH2 and FTVRDLS – Hf-BTB-NH2). This indicates that these MONs are highly selective, which is attributed to their 2D nanosheet structure. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements were conducted on each MON and combined with calculated properties for the peptide sequences and binding studies to provide insights into the relative importance of electrostatic, hydrophobic and co-ordination bonding interactions. A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to model phage binding and the Hf-BTB-NH2 MON coated QCM produced a 5-fold higher signal for FTVRDLS functionalised phage compared to phage with generic peptide sequences. Further studies focusing on Hf-BTB-NH2 confirmed that the VRDL sequence was highly conserved, and on-target binding exhibited equilibrium dissociation constants that are comparable to natural recognition materials. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies indicated a 4600-fold higher equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for FTVRDLS compared to those obtained for off-target sequences, comparable to those of antibodies (KD = 4 x10-10). We anticipate that the highly tunable nature of MONs will enhance our understanding of binding interactions and enable molecular recognition of biomedically important peptides.},

keywords = {Biopanning, Metal-organic framwork nanosheets (MONs), openQCM NEXT, peptide, Phage display, Sensing, two-dimensional materials},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{javadzadehkalkhoran2023preparation,

title = {Preparation and Characterization of Affordable Experimental Sensors Array for Particulate Matter Sensing},

author = {Majid Javadzadehkalkhoran and Levent Trabzon},

url = {https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3654975/v1},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3654975/v1},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-06},

urldate = {2023-12-06},

abstract = {Interest for particulate matter (PM) sensors has increased significantly during last decade. Having a proper experimental setup to test these sensors is necessary. Most of the devices that are used in the PM test setups for both PM generating and measuring are bulky and expensive. In this study a cost-effective experimental setup has been designed with a custom made PM generator and small size laser and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. The generator has the capability of producing PM from three different sources: dry powder, liquid suspension and combustion. The QCM completes the weakness of small laser sensors for sensing the ultra-fine particles. Moreover, performance of the QCM sensor has been investigated with different PM sources and different ambient conditions. It has been found that the response of QCM could be affected from PM source and ambient condition. The change in PM composition and size causes notable impact on QCM response. Relative humidity (RH) also could change the sensor response up to 22%. While changing the temperature of the flow has not significant effect on QCM response, increasing the temperature from 25°C to 30°C caused 12% change in QCM response in grease-coated one. The QCM sensor has the best response with small size smoke PM’s with lowest effect from ambient conditions.},

keywords = {openQCM, openQCM Q-1, Particulate matter, PM generator, PM test setup, QCM, QCM sensor, Sensor array},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{forinova2023comparative,

title = {A Comparative Assessment of a Piezoelectric Biosensor Based on a New Antifouling Nanolayer and Cultivation Methods: Enhancing S. aureus Detection in Fresh Dairy Products},

author = {Michala Forinová and Anna Seidlová and Alina Pilipenco and N Scott Lynn Jr and Radka Obořilová and Zdeněk Farka and Petr Skládal and Alena Saláková and Monika Spasovová and Milan Houska and others},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590262823000485},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100166},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-23},

urldate = {2023-11-23},

journal = {Current Research in Biotechnology},

pages = {100166},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Ensuring dairy product safety demands rapid and precise Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) detection. Biosensors show promise, but their performance is often demonstrated in model samples using non-native pathogens and has never been studied towards S. aureus detection in naturally contaminated samples. This study addresses the gap by directly comparing results taken with a novel piezoelectric biosensor, capable of one-step detection, with four conventional cultivation-based methods. Our findings reveal that this biosensor, based on an antifouling nanolayer-coated biochip, exhibits exceptional resistance to biofouling from unprocessed dairy products and is further capable of specific S. aureus detection. Notably, it performed comparably to Petrifilm and Baird-Parker methods but delivered results in only 30 min, bringing a substantial reduction from the 24 h required by cultivation-based techniques. Our study also highlights differences in the performance of cultivation methods when analyzing artificially spiked versus naturally contaminated foods. These findings underline the potential of antifouling biosensors as efficient reliable tools for rapid, cost-effective, point-of-care testing, enhancing fresh dairy product safety and S. aureus detection.},

keywords = {Antifouling coating, biosensors, Cultivation-based methods, openQCM Q-1, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, S. aureus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{khoirudin2023influence,

title = {Influence of the SMN antibody on quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) surface as an SMN protein biosensor},

author = {Hanif Khoirudin and Rizky Aflaha and Eldiana Rully Arsetiyani and Ari Dwi Nugraheni and Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra and Kuwat Triyana and Ahmad Kusumaatmaja},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-06},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {MRS Communications},

pages = {1--7},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {The lack of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein levels can lead to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease. In this study, an SMN protein biosensor based on quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was developed. The sensor was coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber and doped with SMN antibodies to increase the sensitivity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the nanofiber was undamaged after doping the SMN antibody. The sensitivity of the QCM-D sensor was 21.2 Hz/% after doping SMN antibodies and had good stability for 3 days. Moreover, the sensor has been validated using western blot. Thus, the fabricated QCM-D-based biosensor has excellent potential in detecting SMN levels in human blood plasma.},

key = {QCM-D, openQCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, neuron, protein, antibodies, nanofiber, SEM},

keywords = {antibody detection, Nanofiber, Nanofibers, neuron, openQCM, protein, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SEM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{armutcu2023selective,

title = {Selective Aptasensor for Trinitrotoluene Detection: Comparison of the Detecting Performances from Liquid and Vapor Phases},

author = {Canan Armutcu and Tunca Karasu and Sena Pişkin and Erdoğan Özgür and Lokman Uzun},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0927775723013420},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.132258},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-05},

urldate = {2023-11-05},

journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects},

pages = {132258},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {In general, chromatographic and sensor analyses have been utilized for explosive detection. The main interest on those systems is to develop a method to selectively detect explosives at a single step as well as from vapor phase if possible. Moreover, on-site and real-time detection with portable systems is another challenge for the researchers. On the other hand, the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) vapor at the crime scene, preferably before the explosion is highly demanded in order to prevent the negative effects of terrorism and to ensure the safety of the civilian population. In this study, initially, Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor was prepared for real-time monitoring of TNT in aqueous solution, through the attachment of TNT peptide aptamer on the gold surface of QCM sensor. Secondly, after providing optimum conditions, TNT detection was investigated even from vapor phase through the QCM aptasensor. According to results, the selectivity coefficient of QCM-based aptasensor was calculated as 6.78 for TNT in respect to DNT whereas that was calculated as 9.02 for TNT in respect to TNB. In addition, the evaluation of the reusability and storage stability emphasized that the sensor could be used repeatedly without significant reduction in dissipation (∆D) values. The linearity coefficient (R2) was found to be 0.9965. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) were determined as 0.0238 and 0.0739 nM, respectively. The studies demonstrated that the portable QCM sensor decorated with the aptamer selective for TNT molecules could be classified as a promising alternative, selective, cost-friendly, easy-to-prepare, ready-to-use, and applicable for on-site and real-time explosive measurements (even from vapor phase).},

key = {openQCM Q-1, QCM-D, openQCM sensors,  explosive detection, TNT,  aptasensor},

keywords = {aptasensor, explosive detection, openQCM Q-1, openQCM sensors, QCM-D, TNT},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{muff2023preparation,

title = {Preparation of Well-Defined Fluorescent Nanoplastic Particles by Confined Impinging Jet Mixing},

author = {Livius F Muff and Sandor Balog and Jozef Adamcik and Christoph Weder and Roman Lehner},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1557/s43579-023-00492-6},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-023-00492-6},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-01},

urldate = {2023-11-01},

journal = {Environmental Science & Technology},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Research on the origin, distribution, detection, identification, and quantification of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment and their possible impact on animal and human health is surging. For different types of studies in this field, well-defined reference materials or mimics are needed. While isolated reports on the preparation of such materials are available, a simple and broadly applicable method that allows for the production of different NP types with well-defined, tailorable characteristics is still missing. Here, we demonstrate that a confined impinging jet mixing process can be used to prepare colloidally stable NPs based on polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) with diameters below < 100 nm. Different fluorophores were incorporated into the NPs, to allow their detection in complex environments. To demonstrate their utility and detectability, fluorescent NPs were exposed to J774A.1 macrophages and visualized using laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, we modified the NPs in a postfabrication process and changed their shape from spherical to heterogeneous geometries, in order to mimic environmentally relevant morphologies. The methodology used here should be readily applicable to other polymers and payloads and thus a broad range of NPs that enable studies of their behavior, uptake, translocation, and biological end points in different systems.},

key = {QC; openQCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

keywords = {confined impinging jet (CIJ) mixer, flash nanoprecipitation, fluorescent label, fluorophore, nanoemulsion, nanoplastic, openQCM, polymer nanoparticles, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, shape modification},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{milsom2023situ,

title = {In-situ measurements and modelling of the oxidation kinetics in films of a cooking aerosol proxy using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D)},

author = {Adam Milsom and Shaojun Qi and Ashmi Mishra and Thomas Berkemeier and Zhenyu Zhang and Christian Pfrang},

url = {https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/10835/2023/},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10835-2023},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-10-04},

urldate = {2023-10-04},

journal = {EGUsphere},

volume = {23},

issue = {19},

pages = {10835–10843},

publisher = {Copernicus Publications Göttingen, Germany},

abstract = {Aerosols and films are found in indoor and outdoor environments. How they interact with pollutants, such as ozone, has a direct impact on our environment via cloud droplet formation and the chemical persistence of toxic aerosol constituents. The chemical reactivity of aerosol emissions is typically measured spectroscopically or by techniques such as mass spectrometry, directly monitoring the amount of material during a chemical reaction. We present a study which indirectly measures oxidation kinetics in a common cooking aerosol proxy using a low-cost quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We validated this approach by comparison with kinetics measured both spectroscopically and with high-intensity synchrotron radiation. Using microscopy, we found that the film morphology changed and film rigidity increased during oxidation. There was evidence of surface crust formation on oxidised particles, though this was not consistent for all experiments. Crucially, our kinetic modelling of these experimental data confirmed that the oleic acid decay rate is in line with previous literature determinations, which demonstrates that performing such experiments on a QCM-D does not alter the underlying mechanism. There is clear potential to take this robust and low-cost but sensitive method to the field for in situ monitoring of reactions outdoors and indoors.},

keywords = {aerosol, Dissipation Monitoring, films, openQCM NEXT, Ozone, pollutants, pollution, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{neville2023interactions,

title = {Interactions of Choline and Geranate (CAGE) and Choline Octanoate (CAOT) Deep Eutectic Solvents with Lipid Bilayers},

author = {George M Neville and Ana-Maria Dobre and Gavin J Smith and Samantha Micciulla and Nick J Brooks and Thomas Arnold and Tom Welton and Karen J Edler},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adfm.202306644},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202306644},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-10-02},

urldate = {2023-10-02},

journal = {Advanced Functional Materials},

pages = {2306644},

publisher = {Wiley Online Library},

abstract = {Aerosols and films are found in indoor and outdoor environments. How they interact with pollutants, such as ozone, has a direct impact on our environment via cloud droplet formation and the chemical persistence of toxic aerosol constituents. The chemical reactivity of aerosol emissions is typically measured spectroscopically or by techniques such as mass spectrometry, directly monitoring the amount of material during a chemical reaction. We present a study which indirectly measures oxidation kinetics in a common cooking aerosol proxy using a low-cost quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We validated this approach by comparison with kinetics measured both spectroscopically and with high-intensity synchrotron radiation. Using microscopy, we found that the film morphology changed and film rigidity increased during oxidation. There was evidence of surface crust formation on oxidised particles, though this was not consistent for all experiments. Crucially, our kinetic modelling of these experimental data confirmed that the oleic acid decay rate is in line with previous literature determinations, which demonstrates that performing such experiments on a QCM-D does not alter the underlying mechanism. There is clear potential to take this robust and low-cost but sensitive method to the field for in situ monitoring of reactions outdoors and indoors.},

key = {Choline, Choline Octanoate, geranic acid, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM-D},

keywords = {Choline, Choline Octanoate, geranic acid, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM-D},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{neville2023dataset,

title = {Dataset for},

author = {George Neville and Ana-Maria Dobre and Gavin Smith and Samantha Micciulla and Nick Brooks and Thomas Arnold and Tom Welton and Karen Edler},

url = {https://researchdata.bath.ac.uk/1289/},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.15125/BATH-01289},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-10-02},

urldate = {2023-10-02},

publisher = {University of Bath},

abstract = {Deep eutectic solvents (DES) and ionic liquids (ILs) are often amphiphilic and interact with phospholipid membranes. Mixtures between choline and gernanic acid, coined 'CAGE', have been found to facilitate the transdermal delivery of larger pharmaceuticals, such as insulin. However, little is known about its mechanism of activity. The purpose for obtaining this data was to characterise aqueous suspensions of choline and germanic acid (CAGE) and choline and octanoic acid (CAOT) and compare their interactions with solid-supported lipid bilayers and vesicle layers. Particularly, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements were used alongside neutron reflectivity (NR) to evaluate any structure-function relationships contributing to the DES behaviour, aiming towards the rational design of neoteric solvents for transdermal delivery.},

keywords = {deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, lipid bilayers, neutron reflectivity, neutron scattering, openQCM Q-1, QCM, transdermal delivery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{dubovskaessential,

title = {Essential elements towards the development of diamond-based biosensors for bacteria detection in water},

author = {Lucie Dubovská},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-10-01},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{aflaha2023maltodextrin,

title = {Maltodextrin-overlaid polyvinyl acetate nanofibers for highly sensitive and selective room-temperature ammonia sensors},

author = {Rizky Aflaha and Nur Laili Indah Sari and Laila Katriani and Ahmad Hasan As' ari and Ahmad Kusumaatmaja and Aditya Rianjanu and Roto Roto and Hutomo Suryo Wasisto and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X23008561},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2023.109237},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-10-01},

urldate = {2023-10-01},

journal = {Microchemical Journal},

pages = {109237},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Various ammonia sensors based on different materials have continuously been developed and employed to enable real-time monitoring of ammonia gas in the environment. Efforts are put not only to improve their sensitivity and selectivity towards the target gas but also to operate them at room temperature. Here, we investigated the effect of overlaying maltodextrin with different concentrations on the surface of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanofibers on ammonia sensing performances, in which quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was utilized as a transducer to measure the resonance frequency shift affected by the adsorbed gas molecules. Higher concentrations of the overlaying maltodextrin led to larger nanofiber diameter and more functional active groups on the active nanofibrous layers. PVAc nanofibers with 0.05% maltodextrin overlay demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 0.525 Hz·ppm−1 at room temperature, which was 6.4 times higher than their bare counterpart (nanofiber without maltodextrin overlay). That sensor also possessed fast response and recovery times of 32 s and 17 s with a low detection limit (1.92 ppm). Besides its high reproducibility, reversibility, and repeatability, the sensor exhibited outstanding selectivity to other gas analytes and good long-term stability for 32 days of testing. This research shows that maltodextrin overlay can be used as a low-cost alternative route to increase the performance of organic material-based ammonia sensors, especially polymer nanofibers.},

key = {QCM, 10 MHz, QCM sensors, polyvinyl acetate, nanofibers, ammonia},

keywords = {10 MHz, Ammonia, Nanofibers, openQCM sensors, Polyvinyl acetate, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{JANG2023134589,

title = {Heated quartz crystal microbalance with highly controlled integration of ZIF-67 for ultra-reliable humidity sensing},

author = {Il Ryu Jang and Sugato Hajra and Rojalin Sahu and Hoe Joon Kim},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925400523013047},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2023.134589},

issn = {0925-4005},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-09},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical},

pages = {134589},

abstract = {The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is widely utilized in various fields for detecting parameters such as relative humidity (RH). However, the reliability of QCM as an RH sensor can be compromised by the nonuniform integration of sensing materials and the absence of a dehumidification system for calibration. Damping of the sensor performance may occur due to excessive water molecule adsorption on agglomerated sensing materials, while ineffective desorption of water molecules from these materials renders QCM-based humidity sensors unreliable in highly humid environments. This study presents an innovative approach to achieve area-specific and highly-controlled integration of ZIF-67 on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) using electrospray deposition (ESD). The proposed method effectively decorates the sensor surface with exceptional picogram (pg) mass resolution. Additionally, an integrated microheater facilitates rapid sensor heating, eliminating residual water molecules and enhancing the proposed self-recalibration method. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the heated sensor exhibits a remarkable improvement of 47 times in hysteresis and 8 times in drift performance compared to the non-heated sensor. These findings hold great promise for enhancing the reliability of QCM-based humidity sensors, thereby finding utility in diverse research and application fields.},

keywords = {10 MHz, metal-organic framework, microheater, openQCM sensors, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, sensor calibration, ZIF-67},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{zholdassov2023kinetics,

title = {Kinetics of Photochemical and Mechanochemical Organic Reactions on Surface},

author = {Yerzhan Zholdassov},

url = {https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5476/},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-01},

urldate = {2023-09-01},

abstract = {Solvents used in traditional chemical processes account for a large percentage of reaction mass and waste and can pose significant environmental and health risks. The environmentally friendly nature of mechanochemistry, in addition to other benefits, makes it a promising approach for sustainable chemistry over traditional solvent-based methods. However, it is still not a widely adopted method for performing chemical reactions on an industrial scale. This is partially due to the significant challenge associated with understanding the reaction kinetics under mechanochemical conditions. Many variations of scanning probe lithography (SPL) techniques are able to manipulate the organic molecules with precise control over force and position on surfaces, which offer unique opportunity to investigate the mechanochemical reactions at molecular level. Chapter 1 gives a review on recent advances in the application of SPL techniques in studying fundamental questions in mechanochemistry.



Polymer brushes, defined as thin polymer coatings in which individual polymer chains are tethered by one chain end to a solid interface. They are considered as the most powerful tools to interface properties. Potential applications of polymer brush patterns span a wide range from organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) to membranes for desalination and gas separation, from tissue engineering to protein adsorption, controlled surface wettability and the study of fundamentals of cell biology. A number of controlled/“living” polymerization techniques, in particular those based on radical chemistry have been applied to generate such coatings on various types of substrates. It enables the grafting density, the thickness, and the chemistry of the coating to be manipulated very readily without altering the bulk mechanical properties of biomaterials. Responsive polymer brushes are a category of polymer brushes that are capable of conformational and chemical changes in response to external stimuli. They offer unique opportunities for the control of surface properties due to the precise control of chemical and structural parameters such as the brush thickness, density, chemistry, and architecture. In Chapter 2 we will discuss multiplexed stimuli responsive polymer brushes patterns that contain hidden information within the same area.



In Chapter 3 we apply novel printing platform to investigate the mechanosusceptibility of molecules to the applied mechanical energy. Mechanochemical solvent-free reactions by milling, grinding or other types of mechanical action have emerged as a viable alternative to solution chemistry. Mechanochemistry offers not only a possibility to eliminate the need for bulk solvent use, and reduce the generation of waste, but it also unlocks the door to a different reaction environment in which synthetic strategies, reactions and molecules previously not accessible in solution, can be achieved. We have used elastomeric tip arrays to precisely control the time and force applied between dienes and dienophiles on a surface to determine rate constants, activation energies and activation volumes for four reaction systems.},

key = {surface chemistry, mechanochemistry, photochemistry, openQCM, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D},

keywords = {mechanochemistry, openQCM, openQCM NEXT, photochemistry, QCM-D, surface chemistry},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{aflaha2023enhanced,

title = {Enhanced trimethylamine gas sensor sensitivity based on quartz crystal microbalance using nanofibers overlaid with maltodextrin},

author = {Rizky Aflaha and Laila Katriani and Ahmad Hasan As’ ari and Nur Laili Indah Sari and Ahmad Kusumaatmaja and Aditya Rianjanu and Roto Roto and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1557/s43579-023-00409-3},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-023-00409-3},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-03},

urldate = {2023-08-03},

journal = {MRS Communications},

pages = {1--9},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {This study proposes a novel quartz crystal microbalance-based sensor using polyvinyl acetate nanofibers overlaid with maltodextrin to enhance sensitivity toward trimethylamine (TMA) gas. The sensor demonstrated a remarkable increase in sensitivity by 8.3 times, with a detection limit of 15.6 ppm. The enhanced sensitivity is due to reversible intermolecular Lewis acid–base interaction between active groups of maltodextrin and TMA gas molecules. Moreover, the sensor exhibited good selectivity, stability, and fast response and recovery times of 141 s and 116 s, respectively. The proposed sensor offers a promising alternative to conventional methods for accurately monitoring TMA gas levels in the air.},

key = {openqCM, QCM , quartz Crystal Microbalance openQCM sensors},

keywords = {openQCM, openQCM sensors, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hunter2023mucoadhesive,

title = {Mucoadhesive Pickering Nanoemulsions via Dynamic Covalent Chemistry},

author = {Saul J Hunter and Mahmoud H Abu Elella and Edwin C Johnson and Laura Taramova and Emma E Brotherton and Steven P Armes and Vitaliy V Khutoryanskiy and Mark J Smallridge},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021979723014200},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.162},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-27},

urldate = {2023-07-27},

journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Hypothesis. Submicron oil droplets stabilized using aldehyde-functionalized nanoparticles should adhere to the primary amine groups present at the surface of sheep nasal mucosal tissue via Schiff base chemistry. Experiments. Well-defined sterically-stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles of 20 nm diameter were prepared in the form of concentrated aqueous dispersions via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous emulsion polymerization of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) using a water-soluble methacrylic precursor bearing cis-diol groups. Some of these hydroxyl-functional nanoparticles were then selectively oxidized using an aqueous solution of sodium periodate to form a second batch of nanoparticles bearing pendent aldehyde groups within the steric stabilizer chains. Subjecting either hydroxyl- or aldehyde-functional nanoparticles to high-shear homogenization with a model oil (squalane) produced oil-in-water Pickering macroemulsions of 20-30 µm diameter. High-pressure microfluidization of such macroemulsions led to formation of the corresponding Pickering nanoemulsions with a mean droplet diameter of around 200 nm. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) experiments were used to examine adsorption of both nanoparticles and oil droplets onto a model planar substrate bearing primary amine groups, while a fluorescence microscopy-based mucoadhesion assay was developed to assess adsorption of the oil droplets onto sheep nasal mucosal tissue. Findings. Squalane droplets coated with aldehyde-functional nanoparticles adhered significantly more strongly to sheep nasal mucosal tissue than those coated with the corresponding hydroxyl-functional nanoparticles. This difference was attributed to the formation of surface imine bonds via Schiff base chemistry and was also observed for the two types of nanoparticles alone in QCM studies. Preliminary biocompatibility studies using planaria indicated only mild toxicity for these new mucoadhesive Pickering nanoemulsions, suggesting potential applications for the localized delivery of hydrophobic drugs.},

keywords = {Aldehyde-Functionalized Nanoparticles, Mucoadhesive Drug, Nanoemulsions, openQCM NEXT, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Sukowati_Rohman_Agung_Hapidin_Damayanti_Khairurrijal_2023,

title = {An investigation of the influence of nanofibers morphology on the performance of QCM-based ethanol vapor sensor utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers active layer},

author = {Riris Sukowati and Yadi Mulyadi Rohman and Bertolomeus Haryanto Agung and Dian Ahmad Hapidin and Herlina Damayanti and Khairurrijal Khairurrijal},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925400523004239},

doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2023.133708},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

urldate = {2023-07-01},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical},

volume = {386},

pages = {133708},

abstract = {Quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) coated by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers with controlled morphology have been made for ethanol vapor detection. We used electrospinning to deposit PVP nanofibers of different morphologies (spherical-beaded, spindle-beaded, and pure nanofiber) on a QCM surface to study the effect on sensor performance. BET characterization revealed that the spherical-beaded nanofiber had the highest BET-specific surface area than the other morphologies, which improves the QCM sensor sensitivity, limit of quantification (LOQ), limit of detection (LOD), and sensor response. QCM coated with spherical-beaded nanofiber showed improved sensitivity of 2.632 Hz/ppm, lower LOD and LOQ of 0.018 ppm and 0.061 ppm, and better response compared to those coated with spindle-beaded and pure nanofiber. Based on adsorption isotherm models, Freundlich adsorption isotherm was found to be the most suitable for describing ethanol vapor adsorption on the sensor. The high sensitivity of the sensor to ethanol vapor was attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions between the sensor and the ethanol molecules. This study shows that the QCM-based sensor performance can be improved by modifying the morphology of nanofibrous coating layer.},

key = {QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, openQCM Wi2, polyvinylpyrrolidone, nanofibers, ethanol vapor},

keywords = {ethanol vapor, Nanofibers, openQCM Wi2, polyvinylpyrrolidone, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{wang2023determination,

title = {Determination of electric and thermoelectric properties of molecular junctions by AFM in peak force tapping mode},

author = {Xinati Wang and Angelo Lamantia and Michael Jay and Hatef Sadeghi and Colin J Lambert and Oleg V Kolosov and Benjamin Robinson},

url = {https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6528/acdf67/meta},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/acdf67},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-19},

urldate = {2023-06-19},

journal = {Nanotechnology},

abstract = {Molecular thin films, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), offer the possibility of translating the optimised thermophysical and electrical properties of high-Seebeck-coefficient single molecules to scalable device architectures. However, for many scanning probe-based approaches attempting to characterise such SAMs, there remains a significant challenge in recovering single-molecule equivalent values from large-area films due to the intrinsic uncertainty of the probe-sample contact area coupled with film damage caused by contact forces. Here we report a new reproducible non-destructive method for probing the electrical and thermoelectric properties of small assemblies (10 – 103) of thiol-terminated molecules arranged within a SAM on a gold surface, and demonstrate the successful and reproducible measurements of the equivalent single-molecule electrical conductivity and Seebeck values. We have used a modified thermal-electric force microscopy (TEFM) approach, which integrates the conductive-probe atomic force microscope, a sample positioned on a temperature-controlled heater, and a probe-sample peak-force feedback that interactively limits the normal force across the molecular junctions. The experimental results are interpreted by density functional theory calculations allowing quantification the electrical quantum transport properties of both single molecules and small clusters of molecules. Significantly, this approach effectively eliminates lateral forces between probe and sample, minimising disruption to the SAM while enabling simultaneous mapping of the SAMs nanomechanical properties, as well as electrical and/or thermoelectric response, thereby allowing correlation of the film properties.},

keywords = {Functional Theory (DFT) Calculations, Molecular Thin Films, openQCM, openQCM Q-1, QCM, QCM-D, Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{liu2023multi,

title = {Multi-Frame Super Resolution with Dual Pyramid Multi-Attention Network for Droplet Measurement},

author = {Qiangqiang Liu and Hua Yang and Jiankui Chen and Zhouping Yin},

url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10155258},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2023.3287262},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-19},

urldate = {2023-06-19},

journal = {IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement},

publisher = {IEEE},

abstract = {Accurate visual measurement of micrometer-scale flying droplets in inkjet printing remains a challenge due to low image resolution caused by severe image conditions. Multi-frame super resolution (MFSR) has the potential to break through the measurement bottleneck. However, most existing MFSR methods are not satisfactory in multi-frame information utilization, especially for fast-motion scenes, and they often suffer from detail loss. In this study, focusing on multi-frame information utilization and deep feature extraction, we propose a dual pyramid multi-attention network (DPMAN). First, a dual pyramid deformable alignment (DPDA) module is proposed to deal with diverse motion, which extracts explicit offsets to enhance deformable alignment and perform coarse-to-fine alignment. Then, a gated attention fusion (GAF) module is devised to adaptively aggregate the aligned features to emphasize favorable features. Finally, a residual self-attention reconstruction (RSAR) module based on the multi-stage aggregation self-attention architecture is proposed to extract finer deep features for detail restoration. Experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that DPMAN achieves state-of-the-art performance. DPMAN is applied to droplet image reconstruction and improves the measurement accuracy from 3.34% to 2.52%.},

keywords = {Convolution, droplet, Feature extraction, Image restoration, openQCM, QCM, sensors, Superresolution},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ermek2023electrospun,

title = {Electrospun biotin-and streptavidin-coated quartz crystal microbalance surfaces: characterization and mass sensing performance using OpenQCM},

author = {Erhan Ermek and Esra Ayan and Nurettin Tokay and Hasan DeMirci and Abdullah Kepceoğlu},

url = {https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2995721/v1},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2995721/v1},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-06},

urldate = {2023-06-06},

abstract = {In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor surface was coated with biotin and/or streptavidin using the electrospinning method. The coated surfaces were analyzed using the Raman spectroscopy method. QCM measurements were carried out using the OpenQCM platform. The results indicate that the electrospinning method can be used to coat QCM surfaces with biotin and/or streptavidin and that the coated surfaces exhibit distinct morphological and spectroscopic properties. The QCM measurements showed that the coated surfaces are highly sensitive to changes in mass, indicating their potential for use in biosensing applications. Overall, this study provides new insights into the use of QCM sensors coated with biotin and/or streptavidin for biological sensing and detection applications.},

keywords = {Biosensing, Biotin, Electrospinning, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Raman spectroscopy, Streptavidin, Surface coating},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{malhotra2023room,

title = {Room-temperature monitoring of CH4 and CO2 using a metal-organic framework-based QCM sensor showing inherent analyte discrimination},

author = {Jaskaran Singh Malhotra and Mariusz Kubus and Kasper Steen Pedersen and Simon Ivar Andersen and Jonas Sundberg},

url = {https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/646b938eccabde9f6e2fd280},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-djhp2},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-05-24},

urldate = {2023-05-24},

abstract = {The detection of methane and carbon dioxide is of growing importance due to their negative impact on global warming. This is true both for environmental monitoring, as well as leak detection in industrial processes. Although solid-state sensors are technologically mature, they have limitations that prohibit their use in certain situations, e.g., explosive atmospheres. Thus, there is a need to develop new types of sensor materials. Herein, we demonstrate a simple, low-cost metal-organic framework-based gas leak detection sensor. The system is based on gravimetric sensing using a quartz crystal microbalance. The quartz crystal is functionalized by layer-by-layer growth of a thin metal-organic framework film. This film shows selective uptake of methane or carbon dioxide under atmospheric conditions. The hardware has low cost, simple operation, and theoretically high sensitivity. Overall, the sensor is characterized by simplicity and high robustness. Furthermore, by exploiting the different adsorption kinetics as measured by multiple harmonics analyses, it is possible to discriminate whether the response is due to methane or carbon dioxide. In summary, we demonstrate data relevant towards new applications of metal-organic frameworks and microporous hybrid materials in sensing applications.},

keywords = {carbon dioxide, CH4, CO2, Dissipation, metal-organic frameworks, methane, openQCM NEXT, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, sensors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lino2023development,

title = {Development of a QCM-based biosensor for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies},

author = {Catarina Lino and Sara Barrias and Raquel Chaves and Filomena Adega and José Ramiro Fernandes and Paula Martins-Lopes},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039914023003752},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124624},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-05-04},

urldate = {2023-05-04},

journal = {Talanta},

pages = {124624},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Lung cancer is the main malignant cancer reported worldwide, with one of the lowest survival rates. Deletions in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene are often associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common subtype of lung cancer. The detection of such mutations provides key information for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease; therefore, the early screening of such biomarkers is of vital importance. The need for fast, reliable, and early detection means applied to NSCLC has led to the development of highly sensitive devices that can detect cancer-associated mutations. Such devices, known as biosensors, are a promising alternative to more conventional detection methods and can potentially alter the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. In this study, we report the development of a DNA-based biosensor, namely a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), applied to the detection of NSCLC, from liquid biopsies samples. The detection, as is the case of most DNA biosensors, is based on the hybridization between the NSCLC-specific probe and the sample DNA (containing specific mutations associated with NSCLC). The surface functionalization was performed with a blocking agent (dithiothreitol) and thiolated-ssDNA strands. The biosensor was able to detect specific DNA sequences in both synthetic and real samples. Aspects such as reutilization and regeneration of the QCM electrode were also studied.},

key = {QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, openQCM Q-1, DNA, cancer, biosensor, blood plasma},

keywords = {biosensors, blood plasma, Cancer, DNA, openQCM Q-1, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lim2023quartz,

title = {Quartz crystal microbalance-based biosensing of proteins using molecularly imprinted polydopamine sensing films: Interplay between protein characteristics and molecular imprinting effect},

author = {Hui Jean Lim and Tridib Saha and Beng Ti Tey and Sunil Kumar Lal and Chien Wei Ooi},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468023023002742},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2023.102904},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-29},

urldate = {2023-04-29},

journal = {Surfaces and Interfaces},

pages = {102904},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Biomimetic sensing films based on molecularly imprinted polydopamine (MIPDA) offer a simple, biocompatible, and versatile approach to functionalise quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based biosensors for the recognition of target proteins. This study aims to investigate the chemical, morphological, and recognition properties of MIPDA sensing films polymerised on the QCM crystal surface and elucidate the impacts of various parameters on the liquid-phase biosensing behaviour. Pepsin, bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, and lysozyme were used as model proteins to study the effect of molecular imprinting and the influence of protein characteristics on the recognition behaviour of MIPDA-functionalised QCM crystals. Analysis of the protein adsorption patterns revealed that the MIPDA film contained heterogeneous binding sites with a dissociation constant in the µM range, showing that the binding affinity of the synthetic sensing film for the target protein was comparable to that of commonly used bioreceptors. In a case study using a pepsin-imprinted MIPDA film, the specific conformation and surface chemistry of the recognition cavities were discovered to promote the binding of pepsin (imprinting factor = 5.78) while simultaneously reducing the nonspecific binding of incompatible proteins on the QCM crystal surface. Protein recognition on MIPDA-functionalised QCM crystals was found to be governed by a combination of nonspecific interactions (e.g., electrostatic and polar interactions) between the proteins and the MIPDA sensing film. The findings indicate that increasing the density of selective recognition cavities in the MIPDA film and optimising the sample pH are key strategies to improve the selectivity and sensitivity for protein biosensing.},

keywords = {molecularly imprinting, openQCM Q-1, polydopamine, proteins, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, sensing films},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{maity2023chemically,

title = {Chemically routed interpore molecular diffusion in metal-organic framework thin films},

author = {Tanmoy Maity and Pratibha Malik and Sumit Bawari and Soumya Ghosh and Jagannath Mondal and Ritesh Haldar},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37072404/},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37739-8},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-18},

urldate = {2023-04-18},

journal = {Nature Communications},

volume = {14},

number = {1},

pages = {2212},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK London},

abstract = {Transport diffusivity of molecules in a porous solid is constricted by the rate at which molecules move from one pore to the other, along the concentration gradient, i.e. by following Fickian diffusion. In heterogeneous porous materials, i.e. in the presence of pores of different sizes and chemical environments, diffusion rate and directionality remain tricky to estimate and adjust. In such a porous system, we have realized that molecular diffusion direction can be orthogonal to the concentration gradient. To experimentally determine this complex diffusion rate dependency and get insight of the microscopic diffusion pathway, we have designed a model nanoporous structure, metal-organic framework (MOF). In this model two chemically and geometrically distinct pore windows are spatially oriented by an epitaxial, layer-by-layer growth method. The specific design of the nanoporous channels and quantitative mass uptake rate measurements have indicated that the mass uptake is governed by the interpore diffusion along the direction orthogonal to the concentration gradient. This revelation allows chemically carving the nanopores, and accelerating the interpore diffusion and kinetic diffusion selectivity.},

keywords = {molecular diffusion, Nanoporous channels, openQCM NEXT, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bowman2023improving,

title = {Improving instrument reproducibility with open source hardware},

author = {Richard W Bowman},

url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-023-00218-x},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-023-00218-x},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-06},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Nature Reviews Methods Primers},

volume = {3},

number = {1},

pages = {27},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK London},

abstract = {Laboratory hardware is often custom made or significantly modified. To improve reproducibility, it is imperative that these novel instruments are properly documented. Increasing adoption of open source hardware practices can potentially improve this situation. This article explores how open licences and open development methodologies enable custom instrumentation to be reproduced, scrutinized and properly recorded.},

key = {Open Source, OSH, Hardware, Scientific Instruments},

keywords = {hardware, open source, OSH, scientific instruments},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{rohman2023quartz,

title = {Quartz Crystal Microbalance Coated with Polyacrylonitrile/Nickel Nanofibers for High-Performance Methanol Gas Detection},

author = {Yadi Mulyadi Rohman and Riris Sukowati and Aan Priyanto and Dian Ahmad Hapidin and Dhewa Edikresnha and Khairurrijal Khairurrijal},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.3c00760},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c00760},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-29},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {ACS Omega},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {This study describes a sensor based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated by polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing nickel nanoparticles for methanol gas detection. The PAN/nickel nanofibers composites were made via electrospinning and electrospray methods. The QCM sensors coated with the PAN/nickel nanofiber composite were evaluated for their sensitivities, selectivities, and stabilities. The morphologies and elemental compositions of the sensors were examined using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray. A Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer was used to investigate the elemental bonds within the nanofiber composites. The QCM sensors coated with PAN/nickel nanofibers offered a high specific surface area to enhance the QCM sensing performance. They exhibited excellent sensing characteristics, including a high sensitivity of 389.8 ± 3.8 Hz/SCCM, response and recovery times of 288 and 251 s, respectively, high selectivity for methanol compared to other gases, a limit of detection (LOD) of about 1.347 SCCM, and good long-term stability. The mechanism of methanol gas adsorption by the PAN/nickel nanofibers can be attributed to intermolecular interactions, such as the Lewis acid–base reaction by PAN nanofibers and hydrogen bonding by nickel nanoparticles. The results suggest that QCM-coated PAN/nickel nanofiber composites show great potential for the design of highly sensitive and selective methanol gas sensors.},

key = {Alcohols,Nanofibers,Nanoparticles,Nickel,Sensors},

keywords = {Alcohols, Nanofibers, nanoparticles, Nickel, openQCM Wi2, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, sensors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{qi2023porous,

title = {Porous Cellulose Thin Films as Sustainable and Effective Antimicrobial Surface Coatings},

author = {Shaojun Qi and Ioannis Kiratzis and Pavan Adoni and Aekkachai Tuekprakhon and Harriet James Hill and Zania Stamataki and Aneesa Nabi and David Waugh and Javier Rodriguez Rodriguez and Stuart Matthew Clarke and others},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsami.2c23251},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c23251},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-29},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {In the present work, we developed an effective antimicrobial surface film based on sustainable microfibrillated cellulose. The resulting porous cellulose thin film is barely noticeable to human eyes due to its submicrometer thickness, of which the surface coverage, porosity, and microstructure can be modulated by the formulations and the coating process. Using goniometers and a quartz crystal microbalance, we observed a threefold reduction in water contact angles and accelerated water evaporation kinetics on the cellulose film (more than 50% faster than that on a flat glass surface). The porous cellulose film exhibits a rapid inactivation effect against SARS-CoV-2 in 5 min, following deposition of virus-loaded droplets, and an exceptional ability to reduce contact transfer of liquid, e.g., respiratory droplets, to surfaces such as an artificial skin by 90% less than that from a planar glass substrate. It also shows excellent antimicrobial performance in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis) due to the intrinsic porosity and hydrophilicity. Additionally, the cellulose film shows nearly 100% resistance to scraping in dry conditions due to its strong affinity to the supporting substrate but with good removability once wetted with water, suggesting its practical suitability for daily use. Importantly, the coating can be formed on solid substrates readily by spraying, which requires solely a simple formulation of a plant-based cellulose material with no chemical additives, rendering it a scalable, affordable, and green solution as antimicrobial surface coating. Implementing such cellulose films could thus play a significant role in controlling future pan- and epidemics, particularly during the initial phase when suitable medical intervention needs to be developed and deployed.},

key = {cellulose, film, antimicrobial, evaporation, SARS-CoV-2, robustness},

keywords = {antimicrobial, cellulose, evaporation, film, openQCM NEXT, QCM, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, robustness, SARS-CoV-2},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bulut2023novel,

title = {A Novel Peptide-Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies},

author = {Aliye Bulut and Betul Z Temur and Ceyhun E Kirimli and Ozgul Gok and Bertan K Balcioglu and Hasan U Ozturk and Neval Y Uyar and Zeynep Kanlidere and Tanil Kocagoz and Ozge Can},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/89},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8010089},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-02-22},

urldate = {2023-02-22},

journal = {Biomimetics},

volume = {8},

number = {1},

pages = {89},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The need for rapidly developed diagnostic tests has gained significant attention after the recent pandemic. Production of neutralizing antibodies for vaccine development or antibodies to be used in diagnostic tests usually require the usage of recombinant proteins representing the infectious agent. However, peptides that can mimic these recombinant proteins may be rapidly utilized, especially in emergencies such as the recent outbreak. Here, we report two peptides that mimic the receptor binding domain of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and investigate their binding behavior against the corresponding human immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M (IgG and IgM) antibodies in a clinical sample using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor. These peptides were immobilized on a QCM sensor surface, and their binding behavior was studied against a clinical serum sample that was previously determined to be IgG and IgM-positive. It was determined that designed peptides bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a clinical sample. These peptides might be useful for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using different methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or lateral flow assays. A similar platform might prove to be useful for the detection and development of antibodies in other infections.},

key = {peptide mimetics, SARS-CoV-2, biosensor, quartz crystal microbalance, antibody detection},

keywords = {antibody detection, biosensors, peptide mimetics, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SARS-CoV-2},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{brotherton2023hydrophilic,

title = {Hydrophilic Aldehyde-Functional Polymer Brushes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Bioapplications},

author = {Emma E Brotherton and Edwin C Johnson and Mark J Smallridge and Deborah B Hammond and Graham J Leggett and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02471},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02471},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-02-22},

urldate = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Macromolecules},

publisher = {ACS Publications},

abstract = {Surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) is used to polymerize a cis-diol-functional methacrylic monomer (herein denoted GEO5MA) from planar silicon wafers. Ellipsometry studies indicated dry brush thicknesses ranging from 40 to 120 nm. The hydrophilic PGEO5MA brush is then selectively oxidized using sodium periodate to produce an aldehyde-functional hydrophilic PAGEO5MA brush. This post-polymerization modification strategy provides access to significantly thicker brushes compared to those obtained by surface-initiated ARGET ATRP of the corresponding aldehyde-functional methacrylic monomer (AGEO5MA). The much slower brush growth achieved in the latter case is attributed to the relatively low aqueous solubility of the AGEO5MA monomer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that precursor PGEO5MA brushes were essentially fully oxidized to the corresponding PAGEO5MA brushes within 30 min of exposure to a dilute aqueous solution of sodium periodate at 22 °C. PAGEO5MA brushes were then functionalized via Schiff base chemistry using an amino acid (histidine), followed by reductive amination with sodium cyanoborohydride. Subsequent XPS analysis indicated that the mean degree of histidine functionalization achieved under optimized conditions was approximately 81%. Moreover, an XPS depth profiling experiment confirmed that the histidine groups were uniformly distributed throughout the brush layer. Surface ζ potential measurements indicated a significant change in the electrophoretic behavior of the zwitterionic histidine-functionalized brush relative to that of the non-ionic PGEO5MA precursor brush. The former brush exhibited cationic character at low pH and anionic character at high pH, with an isoelectric point being observed at around pH 7. Finally, quartz crystal microbalance studies indicated minimal adsorption of a model globular protein (BSA) on a PGEO5MA brush-coated substrate, whereas strong protein adsorption via Schiff base chemistry occurred on a PAGEO5MA brush-coated substrate.},

key = {Functionalization,Monomers,Peptides and proteins,Thickness,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy},

keywords = {Functionalization, Monomers, peptides, proteins, QCM, Thickness, X-ray, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hajizadehmotlagh2023wearable,

title = {Wearable Resonator-Based Respirable Dust Monitor for Underground Coal Mines},

author = {Mandana Hajizadehmotlagh and Dorsa Fahimi and Anuj Singhal and Igor Paprotny},

url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10047920},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2023.3241601},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-02-16},

urldate = {2023-02-16},

journal = {IEEE Sensors Journal},

volume = {23},

number = {7},

pages = {6680--6687},

publisher = {IEEE},

keywords = {Airborne, Diesel Exhaust, Dust, gravimetry, openQCM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Respirable Coal Dust},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hosseini2023lysine,

title = {L-lysine biodetector based on a TOCNFs-coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)},

author = {MS Hosseini and M Vossoughi and M Hosseini and others},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014305723000149},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.111831},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-18},

urldate = {2023-01-18},

journal = {European Polymer Journal},

pages = {111831},

publisher = {Elsevier},

keywords = {biodetector, glycine (Gly), L-leucine (Leu), L-lysine (Lys), QCM, TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibril (TOCNF)},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{armesenhanced,

title = {Enhanced Adsorption of Epoxy-Functional Nanoparticles onto Stainless Steel Significantly Reduces Friction in Tribological Studies},

author = {Dr. Csilla György and Dr. Paul M. Kirkman and Dr. Thomas J. Neal and Dr. Derek H. H. Chan and Megan Williams and Dr. Timothy Smith and Dr. David J. Growney and Prof. Steven P. Armes},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202218397},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202218397},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-18},

urldate = {2023-01-18},

journal = {Angewandte Chemie International Edition},

publisher = {Wiley Online Library},

abstract = {Epoxy-functional sterically-stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles (~27 nm) are prepared via RAFT dispersion polymerization in mineral oil. Nanoparticle adsorption onto stainless steel is examined using a quartz crystal microbalance. Incorporating epoxy groups within the steric stabilizer chains results in a near two-fold increase in the adsorbed amount, Γ, at 20 °C (7.6 mg m-2) compared to epoxy-core functional nanoparticles (3.7 mg m-2) or non-functional nanoparticles (3.8 mg m-2). A larger difference in Γ is observed at 40 °C; this suggests chemical adsorption of the nanoparticles rather than merely physical adsorption. A remarkable near five-fold increase in Γ is observed for larger (~50 nm) epoxy-functional nanoparticles compared to non-functional nanoparticles (31.3 vs. 6.4 mg m-2, respectively). Tribological studies conducted at 60-120 °C confirm that the adsorption of epoxy-functional nanoparticles leads to a significant reduction in the friction coefficient.},

key = {QCM-D, nanoparticles},

keywords = {epoxy-functional noparticles, nanoparticles, polymerization, polymerization-induced, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, RAFT, self-assembly, stainless steel},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{aflaha2022improving,

title = {Improving ammonia sensing performance of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated with nanofibers and polyaniline (PANi) overlay},

author = {Rizky Aflaha and Henny Afiyanti and Zhafirah Nur Azizah and Hanif Khoirudin and Aditya Rianjanu and Ahmad Kusumaatmaja and Roto Roto and Kuwat Triyana},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590137022001935},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosx.2022.100300},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-12-23},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X},

pages = {100300},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Ammonia gas sensors with high sensitivity, good selectivity, and superior stability continue to be developed to monitor ammonia levels in the air. In this study, we developed a sensor based on a quartz crystal microbalance coated with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanofiber overlaid with a polyaniline (PANi) nanocomposite to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor. The morphology and chemical composition of the fabricated nanofibers were examined by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. PANi nanocomposites were shown to stick to nanofiber, and nanofiber became many active groups after PANi overlay. The QCM sensor coated with the PVAc nanofiber overlaid with 0.05% PANi (PVAc/PANi5) exhibited the highest sensitivity of 0.297 Hz/ppm. This value was increased 5.2 times compared to the sensor without the PANi overlay (0.055 Hz/ppm). The PVAc/PANi5 sensor exhibited good reproducibility, repeatability, and reversibility. Moreover, a rapid response (36 s) and recovery (26 s) time were observed. The sensor also showed good selectivity towards other analytes and was proven to have good long-term stability during two months of testing. This finding may potentially be an alternative method for increasing the ammonia-sensing performance of a sensor through overlaying.},

key = {Polyvinyl acetate, Polyaniline, Ammonia, Quartz crystal microbalance, Nanofiber},

keywords = {Ammonia, Nanofiber, Polyaniline, Polyvinyl acetate, Quartz Crystal Microbalance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{brotherton2022histidine,

title = {Histidine-Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Exhibit Enhanced Adsorption onto Planar Stainless Steel},

author = {Emma E Brotherton and Daniel Josland and Csilla Gyorgy and Edwin C Johnson and Derek HH Chan and Mark J Smallridge and Steven P Armes},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/marc.202200903},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202200903},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-12-19},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Macromolecular Rapid Communications},

pages = {2200903},

publisher = {Wiley Online Library},

abstract = {RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of isopropylideneglycerol monomethacrylate (IPGMA) is used to prepare a series of PGEO5MA46-PIPGMAy nanoparticles, where PGEO5MA is a hydrophilic methacrylic steric stabilizer block bearing pendent cis-diol groups. TEM studies confirmed that well-defined spherical nanoparticles were obtained while DLS analysis indicated that the z-average particle diameter could be adjusted from 68 nm to 188 nm by systematically varying the target degree of polymerization for the core-forming PIPGMA block. Sodium periodate was employed as a selective oxidant to convert the cis-diol groups on PGEO5MA46-PIPGMA500 and PGEO5MA46-PIPGMA1000 nanoparticles into the analogous aldehyde-functionalized nanoparticles, which were then reacted with histidine via reductive amination. In each case, the extent of functionalization was more than 99% as judged by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, aqueous electrophoresis studies indicated that such derivatization converted initially neutral nanoparticles into nanoparticles that exhibit an isoelectric point (IEP) at around pH 7. Interestingly, DLS studies confirmed that such histidine-derivatized nanoparticles remained colloidally stable over a wide pH range, with no sign of any aggregation at around the IEP. A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was employed at 25 °C to assess the extent of adsorption of both the cis-diol- and histidine-functionalized nanoparticles onto a planar stainless steel substrate at pH 6. The histidine-bearing nanoparticles adsorbed much more strongly than their cis-diol counterparts. For the highest adsorbed amount of 70.5 mg m-2, the adsorbed layer of nanoparticles was examined by SEM, which enabled a fractional surface coverage of 0.23 to be estimated via digital image analysis.},

key = {Histidine-Functionalized, QCM, nanoparticles, polymerization},

keywords = {Histidine-Functionalized, nanoparticles, polymerization, QCM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{HORST2022e00374,

title = {Design and validation of a low-cost open-source impedance based quartz crystal microbalance for electrochemical research},

author = {Rens J. Horst and Antonis Katzourakis and Bastian T. Mei and Sissi Beer},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468067222001195},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00374},

issn = {2468-0672},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-10-12},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {HardwareX},

volume = {12},

pages = {e00374},

abstract = {The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurement technique is utilized in a broad variety of scientific fields and applications, where surface and interfacial processes are relevant. However, the costs of purchasing QCMs is typically high, which has limited its employment in education as well as by scientists in developing countries. In this article, we present an open-source QCM, built on the OpenQCM project, and using an impedance-based measurement technique (QCM-I), which can be built for <200 euro. Our QCM allows for simultaneous monitoring of the frequency change and dissipation, such that both soft and rigid materials can be characterized. In addition, our QCM measurements can be combined with simultaneous electrochemical measurement techniques (EQCM-I). We demonstrate the validity of our system by characterizing the electrodeposition of a rigid metallic film (Cu) and by the electropolymerization of aniline. Finally, we discuss potential improvements to our system.},

keywords = {Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Electrochemistry, Open-source, openQCM},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{matsumoto4096144rheology,

title = {Rheology of the Electric Double Layer In Ionic Liquid Solutions: Effects of Ion Concentration and Anion Structures},

author = {Atsushi Matsumoto and Ryota Yoshizawa and Riccardo Funari and Osamu Urakawa and Tadashi Inoue and Amy Q Shen},

url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4096144},

doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4096144},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-04-28},

urldate = {2022-04-28},

journal = {Available at SSRN 4096144},

abstract = {Ionic liquids (IL) are molten salts with melting temperatures below 100°C. Combined with other unique properties such as high thermal and electrochemical stability, non-volatility and high ionic conductivity, they have been used as electrolytes in batteries and lubricants, where the viscoelasticity of the electric double layer (EDL) plays an important role. Due to the small length scale of EDL thickness, it has been challenging to characterize their viscoelastic properties at nanoscale. Herein, by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), we measure the changes in the resonant frequency and energy dissipation of a gold-coated quartz crystal on which IL solutions are deposited. Since the gold surface of the quartz crystal is negatively charged at an open circuit potential, we can estimate the loss modulus of the EDL near the charged surface through a wave propagation model. Using this approach, we investigate the viscoelastic properties of the EDL formed on the quartz crystal from three ionic liquids with different anions: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Bmim-TFSI); 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (Bmim-TfO); 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Bmim-BF4). We find that the loss modulus of the EDL increases rapidly with increasing ionic liquid concentrations in the low concentration regime, but reaches about 3 orders of magnitude larger than the loss modulus of the bulk solution in the higher concentration regime. This behavior is independent of the type of anions. Our results can provide useful information on the rheological properties of the EDL in IL solutions, optimizing IL-based material design with improved system performances.},

keywords = {Electric Double Layer, Electrostatic Screening, Ionic Liquid, openQCM Q-1, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Rheology, Viscoelastic Properties},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{biadasz2022versatile,

title = {A versatile gas transmission device with precise humidity control for QCM humidity sensor characterizations},

author = {Andrzej Biadasz and Michał Kotkowiak and Damian Łukawski and Jakub Jadwi.zak and Karol Rytel and Kamil Kędzierski},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026322412200882X},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2022.111674},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Measurement},

volume = {200},

pages = {111674},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Previously, several high-sensitivity and inexpensive humidity sensors with rapid response times have been reported. However, obtaining reliable humidity characteristics of highly sensitive devices, such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors, requires the development of new, affordable gas transmission setups. With that in mind, we developed a novel, comprehensive gas transmission system that combined elements from two commonly used systems (saturated salts and gas mixing), which facilitated automatic gas humidity changes, reliable gas flows in closed measurement chambers, and limited the influence of the external atmosphere/pollutants. The gas transmission device performance was tested using a commercial digital hygrometer and highly sensitive QCM coated with graphene oxide for six different humidity sets in range 5.3–82.6% RH. The dynamic repeatability tests proved the superb stability of the system, as QCM frequency deviation did not exceed 2% of frequency shifts among ten switching cycles (one hour each). Therefore, this system allowed a thorough investigation of humidity sensors properties in a controlled environment with a high precision.},

key = {Graphene oxide, Resonant sensor, Quartz crystal microbalance},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{jang2022direct,

title = {Direct and controlled device integration of graphene oxide on Quartz Crystal Microbalance via electrospray deposition for stable humidity sensing},

author = {Il Ryu Jang and Soon In Jung and Jeonhyeong Park and Chaehyun Ryu and Inyong Park and Sang Bok Kim and Hoe Joon Kim},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272884221037706},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Ceramics International},

volume = {48},

number = {6},

pages = {8004--8011},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Integration of advanced and functional materials onto conventional sensing platforms can improve the device performances and even discover new applications. For piezoelectric resonant sensors, an addition of sensing materials can induce damping and hinder a stable device operation. Hence, the development of efficient method for materials integration is important to ensure high-performance and reliable sensor operation. This work presents a direct and precisely controlled integration of graphene oxide (GO) using the electrospray deposition (ESD) onto a 10 MHz Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) for humidity sensing. The proposed ESD method achieves a high mass resolution of a few nanograms. Moreover, the GO uniformly coats across the sensing electrode region as it acts as a ground electrode during ESD. The proposed ESD method also works for a wide range of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, tin oxide, and silicon carbide micro-and nano-powders. Compared to the conventional drop-casting and dip coating approaches, our method ensures minimal GO agglomeration, resulting in a stable QCM-oscillator operation in a wide range of relative humidity from 11% to 97%. The measurement sensitivity increases with an amount of GO, but less GO results in better noise and detection limit performances. The results shed light on the importance of selecting an optimal amount of sensing materials for stable sensor operations.},

keywords = {electrospray deposition, humidity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{wasilewski2022development,

title = {Development and Assessment of Regeneration Methods for Peptide-Based QCM Biosensors in VOCs Analysis Applications},

author = {Tomasz Wasilewski and Bartosz Szulczy'nski and Dominik Dobrzyniewski and Weronika Jakubaszek and Jacek Gębicki and Wojciech Kamysz},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35624609/},

doi = {10.3390/bios12050309},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Biosensors},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

pages = {309},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Cleaning a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) plays a crucial role in the regeneration of its biosensors for reuse. Imprecise removal of a receptor layer from a transducer's surface can lead to unsteady operation during measurements. This article compares three approaches to regeneration of the piezoelectric transducers using the electrochemical, oxygen plasma and Piranha solution methods. Optimization of the cleaning method allowed for evaluation of the influence of cleaning on the surface of regenerated biosensors. The effectiveness of cleaning the QCM transducers with a receptor layer in the form of a peptide with the KLLFDSLTDLKKKMSEC-NH2 sequence was described. Preliminary cleaning was tested for new electrodes to check the potential impact of the cleaning on deposition and the transducer's operation parameters. The effectiveness of the cleaning was assessed via the measurement of a resonant frequency of the QCM transducers. Based on changes in the resonant frequency and the Sauerbrey equation, it was possible to evaluate the changes in mass adsorption on the transducer's surface. Moreover, the morphology of the QCM transducer's surface subjected to the selected cleaning techniques was presented with AFM imaging. The presented results confirm that each method is suitable for peptide-based biosensors cleaning. However, the most invasive seems to be the Piranha method, with the greatest decrease in performance after regeneration cycles (25% after three cycles). The presented techniques were evaluated for their efficiency with respect to a selected volatile compound, which in the future should allow reuse of the biosensors in particular applications, contributing to cost reduction and extension of the sensors' lifetime.},

keywords = {biosensors, biosensors fabrication, peptides, plasma},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{aylaz2022affinity,

title = {Affinity Recognition Based Gravimetric Nanosensor for Equilin Detection},

author = {Gülgün Aylaz and Müge Andaç},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/10/5/172},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors10050172},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Chemosensors},

volume = {10},

number = {5},

pages = {172},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {The estrogenic hormones that are widely used in postmenopausal hormone supplements for women contaminate natural water resources. Equilin (Equ) is one of the estrogenic hormones that have a maximum contaminant level of 0.35 µg/L in the chemical pollutants list. In this study, estrogenic hormones were precisely detected in a short time by affinity-recognition-based interactions in Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors. The QCM sensors were modified with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid forming a self-assembled monolayer and with amino acids, namely tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. The affinity interactions between Equ and amino acids were studied using docking tools and confirmed by QCM experiments. The LODs of Equ were obtained as 4.59, 5.05 and 6.30 ng/L for tyrosine-, tryptophan- and phenylalanine-modified QCM nanosensors, respectively, with linear dynamic detection in the range of 25–500 nM. In terms of the LOD, selectivity and sensitivity calculations, the tyrosine-modified QCM nanosensor was found to have the highest performance for Equ detection compared to the tryptophan- and phenylalanine-modified ones.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{sonklin2022effect,

title = {Effect of Surface Modified Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) on Detection Sensitivity for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)},

author = {Thita Sonklin and Dhananjaya Munthala and Sanong Suksaweang and Pattanaphong Janphuang and Soodkhet Pojprapai},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Integrated Ferroelectrics},

volume = {222},

number = {1},

pages = {93--101},

publisher = {Taylor & Francis},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{van2022mass,

title = {Mass and density determination of porous nanoparticle films using a quartz crystal microbalance},

author = {Hendrik Joost Ginkel and Sten Vollebregt and Andreas Schmidt-Ott and Guo Qi Zhang},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Nanotechnology},

volume = {33},

number = {48},

pages = {485704},

publisher = {IOP Publishing},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{matusiak2022affordable,

title = {Affordable Open-Source Quartz Microbalance Platform for Measuring the Layer Thickness},

author = {Adrian Matusiak and Andrzej Marek .Zak},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/17/6422},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/s22176422},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

urldate = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Sensors},

volume = {22},

number = {17},

pages = {6422},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The layer thickness measurement process is an indispensable companion of vacuum sputtering and evaporation. Thus, quartz crystal microbalance is a well-known and reliable method for monitoring film thickness. However, most commercial devices use very simple signal processing methods, offering only a readout of the frequency change value and an approximate sputtering rate. Here, we show our concept of instrument, to better control the process parameters and for easy replication. The project uses open-source data and its own ideas, fulfilling all the requirements of a measuring system and contributing to the open-source movement due to the added value and the replacement of obsolete technologies with contemporary ones. The device provides an easy way to expand existing sputtering machines with a proper controller based on our work. The device described in the paper can be easily used in need, being a proven project of a fast, inexpensive, and reliable thin-film thickness monitor.},

keywords = {evaporation, film thickness monitor, FTM, sputtering},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}