Using advanced surface and interface analysis techniques to decode the future of pharmaceuticals

The interface process plays a crucial role in multiple fields such as drug research, drug development, and production, affecting the efficiency and safety of products.
Sweden Biolink Technology Co., Ltd. provides advanced analytical product solutions tailored to the characteristics of thin films and surface interface phenomena.

Application field

1. Drug development

2. Drug delivery

3. Drug surface interaction

4. Interaction between biomaterials and human tissues

5. Development of biosensors

Why choose Sweden Biolink Technology Co., Ltd?

With our solution, you can analyze the loading and release dynamics of drugs, as well as the interactions between carriers and the biological environment, in order to design and optimize drug delivery systems. You can study the interaction between molecules and cell membrane models to understand virus behavior and develop effective antiviral strategies to combat existing and future viral threats. In addition, you can analyze the interactions between active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients with containers and packaging materials to reduce the risk of later detection of incompatibility.

Evaluate the stability and material compatibility of biopharmaceuticals

Screening for surface induced instability during the development of biopharmaceuticals can help reduce the risk of late detection of incompatibility and mitigate the impact of these hazards before potential issues lead to project delays and unplanned costs. QSense dissipative quartz crystal microbalance technology (QCM-D) can be used to analyze the interactions between active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients and materials used in manufacturing, storage, and administration.

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Wettability of drug powder

Wettability plays an important role in many industrial applications where solids and liquids interact. In the pharmaceutical industry, solids typically exist in powder form. The wettability of pharmaceutical powders plays a crucial role in formulation, storage, and formulation performance.

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Adsorption of antibodies at gas-liquid interface

The adsorption of drug molecules at the gas-liquid interface may lead to a decrease in the net concentration of drugs in the solution after prolonged storage. This may result in insufficient or inaccurate dosage for patients. Surfactants are usually used to inhibit adsorption. To better understand this issue, a dissipative quartz crystal microbalance can be used to study the adsorption kinetics of antibodies.

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Explore more application cases →

Watch the replay of the online seminar——Screening the binding affinity between serum proteins and mRNA LNPs using QCM-D

watchWebinars——Evaluate the inflammatory response caused by biomaterials in contact with human blood using in vitro detection methods such as QCM-D

Watch online seminars——Developing a new biosensing detection method using a dissipative quartz crystal microbalance

Watch Webinar Replay: Overview——Application of QCM-D analysis in virus related research

[Surface Treatment and Coating/Pharmaceutical]

In the research and development of drugs, there are numerous surfaces that need to be considered and tailored for their behavior and performance in order to achieve optimal performance in interactions with the surrounding environment.

This typical surface is the coating of the final product, such as drug tablets, whose properties significantly affect the delivery and release of drug compounds. Other very important surfaces are those that drugs come into contact with during formulation, storage, and administration, as well as the interactions between each surface that may affect drug stability.

（1） Drug development

QSenseThe nanogram level quality sensitivity provides unlimited potential for drug discovery and development. passQSenseThe research activities conducted include:

1. Real time and accurate monitoring of the interactions between small molecule drugs and proteins, cell membranes, and RNA under various experimental conditions. [1]

2. protein-protein interactions [2]

3. Structural changes of RNA during interactions between small molecules and RNA [3]

（2） Drug delivery

QSenseIt has been proven to be a cost-effective and time efficient technology, particularly suitable for characterizing lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and their drug delivery characteristics. A large amount of literature proves thatQSenseCan be used for:

1. Analyze the binding affinity between serum proteins and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) [4]

2. Binding and release of biomolecules (such as siRNA and mRNA) on LNP [5]

3. Delivering LNP to the target organ [6]

4. Screening the binding affinity between serum proteins and LNPs in a cell-free environment [7]

5. Analyze the surface modification of LNPs [8]

6. Interactions between lipids and bioactive molecules (including drugs, DNA, and siRNA) [9]

7. Effects of ApoE binding on lipid component distribution and overall LNP structure [24]

8. Nanoporous array for storing functionalized LNP [25]

9. LNP formula for improving the efficiency of LNPs nucleic acid load delivery [26]

10. Fix microbubbles onto supported lipid bilayers using cDNA [27]

11. Interaction between block copolymers of stabilized cubes and biomimetic lipid membranes [28]

（3） Protein stability analysis during formulation development and optimization, biopharmaceutical production, storage, and administration processes

利用QSense dissipative quartz crystal microbalanceAnalyze and evaluate the stability and material compatibility of biopharmaceutical formulations

Stability and material compatibility are crucial in the dynamic lifecycle of biopharmaceuticals, from initial development ideas to patient use. The complex interactions between biopharmaceuticals and various surfaces during production, storage, and administration may lead to challenges such as accidental adsorption, concentration reduction, or protein particle formation.

Proactive screening to reduce risks

Early detection of potential issues is crucial to avoid schedule disruptions and financial losses. Proactively screening for surface induced instability during the development process can help reduce the risk of later failures.QSense® QCM-D can provide comprehensive analysis of interactions in biopharmaceuticals, offering in-depth insights into molecular adsorption, desorption, and structural changes at the nanoscale for rapid detection of incompatibility.

The key capability of QSense QCM-D as an early assessment tool for the success of biopharmaceuticals

·Analyze the interaction between biopharmaceuticals and related surface materials
Quickly assess the impact of materials used in the early stages of biopharmaceutical development, including production, storage, and administration, on the complete formulation.

·Minimize risk by actively detecting incompatibility
Quickly measure the adsorption capacity of candidate formulations on relevant surfaces and determine methods to alleviate incompatibility.

·Real time monitoring of the adsorption of antibodies and excipients

Understand the mechanism of action of surfactants and their potential as stabilizers.

QSense conducts formula development evaluation

·Determine the antibody adsorption levels on different surface materials

·Gain a deeper understanding of the molecular arrangement on the surface of materials

·Identify which surfaces may cause compatibility issues?

·Evaluate the effect of excipients on antibody adsorption

·Explore how changes in concentration, pH value, temperature, surface material, or surfactant type affect adsorption levels.

Reading cases

Download and learn more about how to use QSense dissipative quartz crystal microbalance technology to reduce the risk of late stage incompatibility detection.

Download White SkinUsing QSense dissipative quartz crystal microbalance to analyze and evaluate the stability and material compatibility of biopharmaceutical formulationsbook

Typical cases include:

1. Interactions between drugs and surfaces such as polymers, glasses, metals and metal oxides, silicone oils, etc. [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]

2. The effect of excipients in reducing drug protein adsorption on the surface [17]

3. The influence of formula conditions (concentration, pH value, temperature, etc.); [18]

4. The influence of interface and interface stress on the development of biological products [19]

*Note: Up to 200 types of chips can be customized according to user requirements for chip surface

（4） The interaction between biomaterials and human tissues

The biocompatibility of implants and biomaterials in the human body is the key to their successful functioning.QSenseProvides in vitro analysis of the interaction between implant surfaces or biomaterials and human blood and tissue at the molecular level.

1. The interaction between various eye care formulas and mucin/cell membrane surfaces [20].

（5） Development of biosensors

QSenseIt is also widely used in the development of types of sensors such as protein biosensors and real-time detection sensors.

1. Protein biosensors [21], [22]

2. Point of care sensors [23]

QSense QCM-DIt is a surface sensitive technology that can detect molecular surface interactions at the nanoscale. It can be used to analyze phenomena such as adsorption, desorption, and changes in surface adhesion layer structure.

QSense is based on QCM-D technology

The dissipative quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) is a real-time, surface sensitive technique that can be used to analyze surface interaction phenomena, film formation, and film properties.

Explore QCM-D

QSense Omni dissipative quartz crystal microbalance

QSense Omniis caused byQCM-DThe new generation dissipative quartz crystal microbalance model developed by the pioneer of technology, Swedish Biolink Technology Co., Ltd., isQCM-DThe culmination of new technologies.OmniThe sensitivity of QCM is higher than any other QCM on the market, which enables it to quantify and monitor smaller molecules and faster processes, making it an ideal tool for studying biological processes. QSense has over 200 types of chip surface materials and coatings to choose from, supporting simulation of real biological environments and processes to characterize protein adsorption rates, film formation, adsorption layer rigidity, calcification, cell adhesion, and more.

QSense OmniDissipative quartz crystal microbalance

·Capable of detecting surface changes as small as 24 ng/cm2 on chips

·Faster fluid exchange (5 times faster than the previous generation), providing faster and clearer sample delivery

·Full range of automation functions to minimize user dependency

·The simplified workflow and new intuitive software interface make it easier for a wider range of users to use QCM-D.

QSense advantages

·Intuitive and automated laboratory equipment

·Easy to implement in the laboratory

·Real time data on protein interactions

·Fully understand the interaction process and mechanism

·The required sample size is as low as 90 μ l

·Obtain valuable results from a small sample size

·Results can be obtained within a few hours

·Quickly display the final result

·Pre programmable standard script

·Easy to set up and reproduce measurements

Multiple chip options available

QSense chip for biopharmaceuticals

QSense chipEnable you to measure the interactions of various surface materials related to the production, storage, and administration of antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals - from metals and glass materials to polymers such as stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and bio grade polymers.

QSense PDMS chip

PDMSIt is a good choice for lubricating syringes and similar laboratory equipment, where maintaining the integrity of stored liquids and biological samples is crucial. In addition, its thermal and electrical insulation properties can protect sensitive samples and components.

Discover chips that meet your needs

The chip is the core of QCM-D experiment.Browse the types in the marketThe chipFind out which chip materials and coatings are suitable for your research needs.

（6） Wettability characterization for coating tablet manufacturing

The coating on pills has multiple uses. Coatings are used to mask taste or odor, protect drugs from the erosion of gastric acid environment, or protect the gastric lining from invasive drugs. Coatings can also be designed to control the release characteristics of drugs. Regardless of the reason, coatings are applied to the core of tablets, and one of the prerequisites for success is good adhesion between the coating and the tablet.

To ensure good adhesion, the coating formulation should be spread on the surface of the tablet. If some penetrates into the pores of the tablet, the adhesive force will be enhanced. The spreading of coating formulations on tablet surfaces can be evaluated by measuring contact angle and surface free energy. Due to the influence of surface porosity, combined withsurface roughnessMeasuring and determining roughness correctioncontact angleCan provide more understanding of this issue.

In some cases, it is not possible to compress drugs into tablet form due to changes in wetting properties. The Washburn method is therefore often used to determine the properties of drug compoundscontact angleThe Washburn method has also been used to study the wettability of dry polymer coatings and other processes, where polymer powders are mixed with different additivescontact angleIt is interesting.

（7） Measurement of Contact Angle of Pharmaceutical Compounds

The pharmaceutical industry typically uses different powders as drug compounds, so understanding the wetting behavior of powders is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry.

The wettability of the powder can be achieved bySigma 700/701Measure using the Washburn method. In the Washburn method, the contact angle is calculated based on the increase in weight over time when the powder comes into contact with the liquid.

References

[1] Small-molecule-mediated control of the anti-tumour activity and off-tumour toxicity of a supramolecular bispecific T cell engagerNat. Biomed. Eng 2024, 8 (5), 513–528. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01147-6.

[2] Genentech–Viscoelastic characterization of high concentration antibody formulations using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoringJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2009, 98 (9), 3108–3116.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.21610.

[3] Roche–Reconstitution and Functional Analysis of a Full-Length Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Polymerase on a Supported Lipid BilayerACS Cent. Sci. 2016, 2 (7), 456–466. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.6b00112.

[4]A Fast and Reliable Method Based on QCM-D Instrumentation for the Screening of Nanoparticle/Blood InteractionsBiosensors 2023, 13 (6), 607. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13060607.

[5]A QCM-D and SAXS Study of the Interaction of Functionalised Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles with siRNAChemBioChem 2017, 18 (10), 921–930. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201600613.

[6]Helper lipid structure influences protein adsorption and delivery of lipid nanoparticles to spleen and liverBiomater. Sci. 2021, 9 (4), 1449–1463.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01609H.

[7] AstraZeneca –Screening of the binding affinity of serum proteins to lipid nanoparticles in a cell free environmentJournal of Colloid and Interface Science 2022, 610, 766–774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2021.11.117.

[8]Insights into the mechanisms of interaction between inhalable lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles and pulmonary surfactantJournal of Colloid and Interface Science 2023, 633, 511–525.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2022.11.059.

[9]On the interactions between RNA and titratable lipid layers: implications for RNA delivery with lipid nanoparticlesNanoscale 2024, 16 (2), 777–794.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03308B.

[10] Genentech –Adsorption and Aggregation of Monoclonal Antibodies at Silicone Oil–Water InterfacesMol. Pharmaceutics 2021, 18 (4), 1656–1665. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01113.

[11] Bristol-Myers Squibb– Mechanistic Understanding of Protein-Silicone Oil InteractionsPharm Res 2012, 29 (6), 1689–1697.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-012-0696-6.

[12] Bristol-Myers Squibb –Adsorption of polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide type surfactants at surfaces of pharmaceutical relevant materials: effect of surface energetics and surfactant structuresPharmaceutical Development and Technology 2019, 24 (1), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.1080/10837450.2018.1425431.

[13] Bristol-Myers Squibb –Particle Characterization for a Protein Drug Product Stored in Pre-Filled Syringes Using Micro-Flow Imaging, Archimedes, and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with DissipationAAPS J 2017, 19 (1), 110–116.
https://doi.org/10.1208/s12248-016-9983-1.

[14] Pfizer –Engineering a ceramic piston pump to minimize particle formation for a therapeutic immunoglobulin: A combined factorial and modeling approach.J Adv Manuf & Process 2023, 5 (1), e10142.
https://doi.org/10.1002/amp2.10142.

[15]Antibody adsorption and orientation on hydrophobic surfacesLangmuir 2012, 28 (3), 1765–1774.
https://doi.org/10.1021/la203095p.

[16] AstraZeneca–The Impact of the Metal Interface on the Stability and Quality of a Therapeutic Fusion ProteinMol. Pharmaceutics 2020, 17 (2), 569–578. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b01000.

[17] Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson and Johnson) –Quartz Crystal Microbalance as a Predictive Tool for Drug-Material of Construction Interactions in Intravenous Protein Drug AdministrationJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2023, 112 (12), 3154–3163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xphs.2023.07.019.

[18] Eli Lilly –Surface Interactions of Monoclonal Antibodies Characterized by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation: Impact of Hydrophobicity and Protein Self-InteractionsJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2012, 101 (2), 519–529.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.22771.

[19] Bristol-Myers Squibb –Overview of the Impact of Protein Interfacial Instability on the Development of Biologic ProductsIn Protein Instability at Interfaces During Drug Product Development; Li, J., Krause, M. E., Tu, R., Eds.; AAPS Advances in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Series; 2021; Vol. 43, pp 1–8.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57177-1_1.

[20] Novartis Pharma –Understanding the adsorption and potential tear film stability properties of recombinant human lubricin and bovine submaxillary mucins in an in vitro tear film modelColloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2020, 195, 111257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111257.

[21]Dual-mode and Label-free Detection of Exosomes from Plasma Using an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation MonitoringAnal. Chem. 2022, 94 (5), 2465–2475. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04282.

[22]Amplified QCM-D biosensor for protein based on aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticlesBiosensors and Bioelectronics 2010, 26 (2), 575–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2010.07.034.

[23]Bioactivated PDMS microchannel evaluated as sensor for human CD4+ cells – The concept of a point-of-care method for HIV monitoring. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 2007, 123 (2), 847–855.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2006.10.034.

[24]Apolipoprotein E Binding Drives Structural and Compositional Rearrangement of mRNA-Containing Lipid Nanoparticles.?ACS Nano 2021, 15 (4), 6709–6722. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.0c10064.

[25]Development of Nanopackaging for Storage and Transport of Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles.?. Nano Lett. 2023, 23 (14), 6760–6767.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01271.

[26]Review of structural design guiding the development of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery.Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 2023, 66, 101705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cocis.2023.101705.

[27]QCM-D Investigations on Cholesterol–DNA Tethering of Liposomes to Microbubbles for Therapy.J. Phys. Chem. B 2023, 127 (11), 2466–2474.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07256.

[28]Thermo-responsive lipophilic NIPAM-based block copolymers as stabilizers for lipid-based cubic nanoparticles.?Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2022, 220, 112884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112884.

[Biological Interface/Biofilm]

Are you exploring a world based on lipid structure?

Biofilms and liposomes based on lipid structure are widely used in research in multiple fields. For example, in the design and development of new biosensor systems, biomaterial coatings, and drug delivery systems, these structures are used as inert surfaces, biocompatible surfaces, cell membrane mimics, or transport carriers.

There are two methods that can be utilized in the study of biofilms. A floating biofilm model structure can be formed at the air-water interface, allowing you to simulate the characteristics and conditions of the cellular environment.

Another method is to form a supported biofilm or lipid based structure on a solid substrate. The supported lipid bilayer is a lipid layer deposited on the surface and composed of predetermined lipid ratios, which may be labeled as different molecules or embedded membrane proteins. These films can help understand biological processes and serve as key factors in the preparation of biomaterials. They can also participate in more complex structures such as biosensor design and interact with various biological or synthetic molecules such as ligands DNA、 The interactions between nanoparticles, polymers, or other lipid structures.

In the design and development of nanomedicine, lipid based nanostructures can serve as blood vessels and targeted carriers for drug transport. Embedding the interested drug into a vesicle or micelle structure, suitable for specific environmental conditions, enhances drug protection in stabilizing and reducing toxicity, prolonging circulation time, controlling release rate, and improving tissue targeting.

Floating biofilm model

Most biochemical reactions occur around the cell membrane or within the phospholipid bilayer membrane. The cell membrane affects protein folding and creates a specific microenvironment that triggers reactions. To understand and simulate actual biological systems, it is necessary to study these interactions in an environment that simulates natural conditions. The Langmuir monolayer of membrane phospholipids has been proven to be a good model system for biological membranes.

Langmuir monolayer phospholipid membrane is similar to a semi biological membrane and can be used as a model cell membrane, which has been proven in literature to be an excellent model for biological systems. In a free floating monolayer, the diffusion and dynamics of molecules are close to their role in actual systems. In nature, most biochemical reactions occur at the interface of biological membranes, and freely floating model membranes allow for natural diffusion and migration of molecules. To study cell biofilms, Langmuir membrane analyzer can be combined with various sensors and instruments besides Langmuir membrane balance. Other research techniques include PM-IRRAS, BAM, SPOT, fluorescence microscopy, and traditional microscopy, which make it possible to study molecular interactions, localization, stacking, and micro area formation in single molecular layers.

Simulating the behavior of pulmonary surfactants

Pulmonary surfactants cover the alveoli of the lungs and play a crucial role in making breathing easier. During inhalation, surfactants reduce the surface tension of tissues by about 15 times, making it easier for alveoli to expand. During exhalation, the surface area of the alveoli decreases, causing surfactants to concentrate more on the surface. At the end of exhalation, a nearly zero surface tension is generated, which can prevent alveolar collapse.

Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is a phospholipid present on the surface of alveoli. The highly ordered solid phase of DPPC maintains near zero surface tension in the alveoli during exhalation. To simulate the actual surfactant behavior in alveoli, measurements need to be taken at near zero surface tension. Research has shown that the KSV NIMA Langmuir ribbon sliding film analyzer can be used to measure the near zero surface tension of DPPC.

Application Summary: Achieving High Single Molecular Layer Surface Pressure with Ribbon Slip Barrier Membrane Analyzer: Pulmonary Surfactants at Near Zero Surface Tension

Construction of supporting lipid structure

Langmuir Blodgett (LB) and Langmuir Schaefer (LS) impregnation are two methods for preparing phospholipid bilayers with different lipid compositions. By combining the LB and LS methods, an asymmetric phospholipid bilayer with lipid composition can also be created. For example, some biochemical sensors can be prepared for surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The third method is to prepare a supported phospholipid bilayer directly on the surface through vesicle rupture and fusion in QCM-D setup.

Supporting biofilm - preparation and characterization

Whether we are dealing with supported biofilms, liposomes, or other lipid based structures, QSense QCM-D can be used to characterize and validate the relevant absorption and release processes on the surface, which is crucial for understanding, adjusting, and optimizing lipid based systems. For example, the formation kinetics of the supporting lipid membrane can be monitored on the surface, and the quality of the formed bilayer membrane can be evaluated. It is also possible to monitor subsequent interactions with lipid membranes, such as uptake or binding of membrane-bound molecules, or validation of their defective parts. In the context of nanomedicine, lipid based nanostructures can be characterized for their absorption, delivery, and release processes, and can serve as blood vessels for targeted drug delivery.

[Biological Interface/Biomolecular Interaction]

Analysis of Interactions between Biomolecules

The analysis of interactions between biomolecules is a focus of many disciplines, from biochemistry and biotechnology to pharmaceutical science. It is the focus of basic science and applied research and development. The goal of studying the interactions between biomolecules is to go from purely acquiring knowledge and understanding biological systems and functions, to using the acquired knowledge to design drugs, biomimetic sensors, and technologies that improve our quality of life.

Basic understanding of the interactions between biomolecules

For example, in basic and applied research, a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of lipid proteins and protein ligand interactions is a goal, in which these systems are studied and characterized to obtain the processes of biomolecule interactions.

QSense QCM-DIt is a method for real-time detection and monitoring of biological molecule interactions, such as binding and interaction dynamics, as well as structural changes in molecular layers. This method has been used to improve the understanding of target interaction mechanisms and ligand structural changes. It is also used to explore the behavior of molecules and the causes of diseases, such as protein folding disorders, peptide aggregation into long and thin fibers, amyloid like structures, etc.

Due to the fact that most biochemical reactions in nature occur on phospholipid bilayer membranes or cell membranes within cells, membranes can affect protein folding and create specific microenvironments in which reactions occur. To understand and simulate actual biological systems, it is necessary to study these interactions in an environment that simulates natural conditions. The Langmuir monolayer of membrane phospholipids has been proven to be an excellent model system for biological membranes. In drug discovery, the permeation of drugs through the cell wall and the reaction between drugs and the cell membrane are important factors in drug delivery. These can be evaluated by studying the interaction between drugs and floating biofilm models. In the food industry, the removal of allergenic proteins is very important, and a deeper understanding can be obtained through molecular level research.

Application Abstract: Interactions of biomolecules in cell membrane models.

Analysis of Biomolecular Interactions in Applied Research and Development

Once knowledge of the interaction behavior of biomolecules is established, it is possible to use this new information. In applied science, such as drug exploration, nanotoxicology, or the design of biosensors, the interactions of biomolecules are crucial, and this knowledge can be used to identify targets for new compounds and detect potential new candidate drugs.

In this context, QSense QCM-D is used to analyze proteins and their interactions with DNA, as well as to detect antibody antigen interactions. QCM-D is highly sensitive to conformational changes in the tertiary structure of small molecule bound proteins, and can be used for designing, validating, and optimizing drug compounds. For example, studying the effects of amyloid growth inhibitors, investigating the conformational effects of nucleic acid receptors, and screening compounds for their interactions with cells and protein drug targets.

The knowledge of biomolecule interactions can also be used to design biosensors and detection systems, where biological behavior is imitated and utilized, such as for detecting and diagnosing diseases.

Toxicity of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) are now applied in many different industries, including cosmetics, paints, and coatings. Therefore, in-depth research has been conducted on the toxicity of nanoparticles. Due to its large specific surface area, inhaled nanoparticles can induce pulmonary inflammation and adverse immune reactions in the respiratory system.

Langmuir membrane analyzerThis provides a good tool for studying the effect of nanoparticles on lipid membranes. The effect of 1wt% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on the isothermal compression curve of natural lung surfactant (Infasurf) was studied. After contact with nanoparticles, there is a significant time-dependent transition in the isothermal compression curve on the left side, indicating the inhibitory effect of surfactants.

ACS Nano 2011, 5 (8), 6410-6416. Copyright 2011 American Chemical Society. (with permission)

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