OpenQCM
Description
QCM (OpenQCM, Novaetech) enables the detection of mass variation by measuring the change in frequency of a quartz crystal resonator. When an alternating current is applied to two golden electrodes the crystal starts to resonate. When molecules bind to the surface the thickness of the crystal changes and this translates into a drop in frequency. The device can be used for example to study molecular interactions between proteins and other molecules such as proteins or DNA and also living cells. One of the partners has to be immobilised to the golden electrode. Unpurified samples can be used for analysis.
Specification
| Measurements | mass variation(∆m) |
| Defaulty frequency | 10 MHz |
| Electrode material and diameter | gold, 13.9 mm |
| Nominal sensitivity | up to 4.42x10-9 g Hz-1 cm-1 |
| Recommended flow rate | 0-100 μl/min |
| Test cell volume | 40 μl |
| Temperature | environmental (is logged) |
| Using multiple device simultaneously | yes (2 available) |
| Immobilization | is needed |
| Analysis of complex samples | yes |
| Portable device | yes |
| Computer connection | microUSB |
| Open software and open hardware | yes |
| Programming language |
Java |