Nanoparticle and Bioparticle Deposition Kinetics: Quartz Microbalance Measurements

Abstract

Controlled deposition of nanoparticles and bioparticles is necessary for their separation and purification by chromatography, filtration, food emulsion and foam stabilization, etc. Compared to numerous experimental techniques used to quantify bioparticle deposition kinetics, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method is advantageous because it enables real time measurements under different transport conditions with high precision. Because of its versatility and the deceptive simplicity of measurements, this technique is used in a plethora of investigations involving nanoparticles, macroions, proteins, viruses, bacteria and cells. However, in contrast to the robustness of the measurements, theoretical interpretations of QCM measurements for a particle-like load is complicated because the primary signals (the oscillation frequency and the band width shifts) depend on the force exerted on the sensor rather than on the particle mass. Therefore, it is postulated that a proper interpretation of the QCM data requires a reliable theoretical framework furnishing reference results for well-defined systems. Providing such results is a primary motivation of this work where the kinetics of particle deposition under diffusion and flow conditions is discussed. Expressions for calculating the deposition rates and the maximum coverage are presented. Theoretical results describing the QCM response to a heterogeneous load are discussed, which enables a quantitative interpretation of experimental data obtained for nanoparticles and bioparticles comprising viruses and protein molecules.

Human Vimentin Layers on Solid Substrates: Adsorption Kinetics and Corona Formation Investigations

“…However, one should mention that the analysis of QCM measurements is a demanding task, because the oscillation frequency and the energy dissipation signals depend on the force exerted on the sensor rather than on the particle mass. 40 , 41 If one considers a rigid contact, the net force includes the inertia component proportional to the particle mass and the hydrodynamic component, which can play a significant role. This effect is generally explained as the hydrodynamic solvent coupling leading to apparent hydration of protein layers.…”

“…Vimentin adsorption kinetic measurements were performed applying the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique according to the protocol previously applied for fibrinogen and HSA. , This method exhibits pronounced advantages making possible real time, in situ measurements of adsorption/desorption kinetics under various transport conditions (diffusion, flow). However, one should mention that the analysis of QCM measurements is a demanding task, because the oscillation frequency and the energy dissipation signals depend on the force exerted on the sensor rather than on the particle mass. , If one considers a rigid contact, the net force includes the inertia component proportional to the particle mass and the hydrodynamic component, which can play a significant role. This effect is generally explained as the hydrodynamic solvent coupling leading to apparent hydration of protein layers. ,, …”

QCM-D Investigations of Anisotropic Particle Deposition Kinetics: Evidences of the Hydrodynamic Slip Mechanisms

“…In this respect, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method exhibits pronounced advantages, enabling precise, in situ deposition/desorption kinetic measurements for the nano- and microparticles under flow conditions. 37 − 51 However, these investigations were almost exclusively focused on spherical particles.…”

Cell-Specific Adhesion Interfaces by Electrochemical Copolymerization of Arg-Gly-Asp-Tyr and 4-(2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy) Ethoxy) Phenol

“…16 It also has a potential value in clinical diagnostics and medicine, 17 hydrogels, 18 gene delivery nanocarriers, 19 and anticancer drug carriers. 20 Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a sensitive mass sensor, 21 has a wide range of applications in many fields. 22,23 In the 1980s, Bruckenstein et al reported that a QCM could work in the liquid phase, which provided a new idea for biomedical research.…”

“…Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a sensitive mass sensor, has a wide range of applications in many fields. , In the 1980s, Bruckenstein et al reported that a QCM could work in the liquid phase, which provided a new idea for biomedical research . By coating on the sensor, two of the most convincing parameters, the frequency shift (Δ f ) and motional resistance shift (Δ R ), can be obtained by a QCM.…”