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Scientific Papers
Publications citing the applications of openQCM (by Novaetech S.r.l.) instruments and accessories in scientific research.
The list of scientific papers published on the most important journals showing the usage of openQCM in several scientific fields, such as thin film deposition, chemical sensors, biological research and biosensors.
Because of the large number of publications, we are reorganizing everything by subject areas. This will take some time. Thank you for your patience
2026
Izzo, Francesca; Mazumder, Annesha; Gannes, Florence Poulletier De; Hallil, Hamida
Gold Nanoparticle – Assisted Multiharmonic and Multivariate QCM Sensing of miRNA-21 Journal Article
In: IEEE Sensors Journal, pp. 1-1, 2026.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biosensor, DNA, Electrodes, Gold, Impedance, Impedance Measurements, MiRNA-21, Multiharmonic Assessment, openQCM, Probes, QCM, Resonance, Resonant frequency, Sensitivity, sensors, Surface impedance
@article{11448293,
title = {Gold Nanoparticle – Assisted Multiharmonic and Multivariate QCM Sensing of miRNA-21},
author = {Francesca Izzo and Annesha Mazumder and Florence Poulletier De Gannes and Hamida Hallil},
url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11448293/keywords#keywords},
doi = {10.1109/JSEN.2026.3673862},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-19},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {IEEE Sensors Journal},
pages = {1-1},
abstract = {MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is a clinically relevant biomarker for cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disorders. Conventional detection methods are laboratory-based, time-consuming, and poorly suited for point-of-care applications. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors provide label-free, real-time detection, but conventional single-frequency analysis limits sensitivity and underestimates viscoelastic effects. Here, we present a multiharmonic and multivariate QCM framework combined with a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)–assisted sandwich assay to enhance miRNA detection. Frequency, amplitude, and phase features across multiple resonance modes were analyzed using a physics-informed feature selection and optimization strategy to identify the most discriminative parameters. The approach was validated experimentally for miRNA-21. Multivariate multimodal analysis reduced the detection limit from ~10 nM (single-frequency) to 100 pM. AuNP-mediated amplification further increased the effective signal by ~1.5×, yielding a final detection limit of 1 pM, corresponding to a two-order-of-magnitude improvement. Specificity assays with non-target miRNAs (miRNA-145 and miRNA-9) showed minimal cross-reactivity. These results demonstrate that combining multiharmonic signal analysis with nanoparticle-based amplification substantially enhances both sensitivity and selectivity of QCM-based miRNA detection, supporting its potential for sensitive biomarker monitoring in cancer and other pathologies.},
keywords = {Biosensor, DNA, Electrodes, Gold, Impedance, Impedance Measurements, MiRNA-21, Multiharmonic Assessment, openQCM, Probes, QCM, Resonance, Resonant frequency, Sensitivity, sensors, Surface impedance},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is a clinically relevant biomarker for cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disorders. Conventional detection methods are laboratory-based, time-consuming, and poorly suited for point-of-care applications. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors provide label-free, real-time detection, but conventional single-frequency analysis limits sensitivity and underestimates viscoelastic effects. Here, we present a multiharmonic and multivariate QCM framework combined with a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)–assisted sandwich assay to enhance miRNA detection. Frequency, amplitude, and phase features across multiple resonance modes were analyzed using a physics-informed feature selection and optimization strategy to identify the most discriminative parameters. The approach was validated experimentally for miRNA-21. Multivariate multimodal analysis reduced the detection limit from ~10 nM (single-frequency) to 100 pM. AuNP-mediated amplification further increased the effective signal by ~1.5×, yielding a final detection limit of 1 pM, corresponding to a two-order-of-magnitude improvement. Specificity assays with non-target miRNAs (miRNA-145 and miRNA-9) showed minimal cross-reactivity. These results demonstrate that combining multiharmonic signal analysis with nanoparticle-based amplification substantially enhances both sensitivity and selectivity of QCM-based miRNA detection, supporting its potential for sensitive biomarker monitoring in cancer and other pathologies.
2025
Barrias, Sara; Fernandes, José R.; Martins-Lopes, Paula
Newly developed QCM-DNA biosensor for SNP detection in small DNA fragments: A wine authenticity case study Journal Article
In: Food Control, vol. 169, pp. 111036, 2025, ISSN: 0956-7135.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Aptamer, DNA, Grapevine, Microbalance, openQCM Q-1, Piezoelectric, QCM-D, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, SNP, Wine
@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}
}
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.
2023
Lino, Catarina; Barrias, Sara; Chaves, Raquel; Adega, Filomena; Fernandes, José Ramiro; Martins-Lopes, Paula
Development of a QCM-based biosensor for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies Journal Article
In: Talanta, pp. 124624, 2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: biosensors, blood plasma, Cancer, DNA, openQCM Q-1, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance
@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}
}
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.
