Combining atomic force microscope and quartz crystal microbalance studies for cell detection

The adhesion of microorganisms on a patterned polyurethane surface was studied simultaneously online and in situ with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The specific interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and their fingerprints formed by molecular imprinting results in a typical Sauerbrey behaviour, when adhesion events are observable with an AFM. The sensor response due to adsorption of Gram positive Leuconostoc oenus, however, shows non-Sauerbrey behaviour. Bacteria, naturally being smaller than yeast cells, were 'invisible' to liquid phase AFM-measurements, which is due to a weaker surface interaction. Thus, AFM measurements give a hint for unusual frequency enhancements in QCM microorganism measurements.