Quartz tuning fork as a mass sensitive biosensor platform with a bi-layer film modification via plasma polymerization

Abstract

Due to the lack of the stability of amine films, a promising transducer, quartz-tuning fork (QTF) prongs were modified by a bi-layer film of plasma-polymerized n-heptane (hep) and then by ethylenediamine (EDA), respectively. For this purpose, the authors investigate the stability of amine-rich thin films both in air and aqueous medium. EDA films were deposited on QTF substrates by using an RF plasma system. The final amine-rich thin film was used to immobilize biologic recognition element. Model protein studies were showed that selected thin films could be adapted to QTF transducers to be used as a biosensor template.