Mass-sensitive detection of cells, viruses and enzymes with artificial receptors

Synthetic polymer receptors for the online monitoring of bioanalytes are formed directly onto quartz crystal microbalances using surface imprinting techniques. The molded materials are capable of enriching whole cells, viruses and enzymes on the sensor layer surface. Enzyme imprinted polymer layers are also effective as nucleation site for the induction of protein crystallization. Differential measurements are done with a single piezocrystal having two screen-printed gold electrodes for a sensitive and a reference channel.