Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator for use in a sensor arrangement for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises a quartz crystal plate, having a first crystal surface and a second crystal surface. The first crystal surface is provided with a first electrode, which has a surface area of less than 15 mm2 and the second crystal surface is provided with a second electrode. The first electrode may have a rectangular surface shape. A flow cell for use in an apparatus for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises walls that form a sensing chamber together with the resonator, and inlet and outlet openings for leading a fluid through the sensing chamber. A part of the resonator constitutes one of the walls of the sensing chamber and is arranged such that the first electrode is situated inside the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A method of covalently immobilizing a charged chemical species on or near a sensor surface of a mass-sensitive chemical sensor, the sensor surface bearing functional groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the chemical species, the method involving the application of an electric field between the charged chemical species and the sensor surface such that the electrostatic attraction therebetween is increased.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor arrangement for analysis of fluid samples includes a signal source, a measuring device and a docking system. The sensor arrangement comprises a first part capable of receiving a sensor element that exposes a piezoelectric quartz crystal, a second part comprising fluid channels for the sample and a flow cell element, which preferably is removable and which comprises a recess, and inlet and outlet fluid channels for leading a fluid through the recess. The first and second parts are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position and are arranged such that in the closed position the recess of the flow cell element is sealingly covered by the piezoelectric quartz crystal so that a flow cell is formed by the flow cell element and the quartz crystal.

Abstract: A sensor element carrier for use in a mass-sensitive chemical sensor instrument comprises a base component and a lid component, the base component being adapted to receive, in use, a sensor, the signal generated by which depends on the mass of material adsorbed at a sensing surface thereof, the base component or the lid component having formed therein, in a recessed area, at least one channel for the ingress of sample fluid, the recessed area forming, in use and in conjunction with the sensing surface of the sensor, a sample chamber, the sensor being held, in use, between the base component and the lid component and the approach of the base component and lid component being limited on assembly of the sensor element by means of substantially rigid portions of each which come into abutment, thereby limiting the minimum height of the sample chamber for a given set of sensor, base and lid components.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator for use in a sensor arrangement for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises a quartz crystal plate, having a first crystal surface and a second crystal surface. The first crystal surface is provided with a first electrode, which has a surface area of less than 15 mm2 and the second crystal surface is provided with a second electrode. The first electrode may have a rectangular surface shape. A flow cell for use in an apparatus for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises walls that form a sensing chamber together with the resonator, and inlet and outlet openings for leading a fluid through the sensing chamber. A part of the resonator constitutes one of the walls of the sensing chamber and is arranged such that the first electrode is situated inside the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A system, device and method for detection of several individual analytes in a test solution aliquot (83) with an array of individually operated piezoelectric crystal microbalances are described. The system comprises a connecting station (100) that receives a plurality of individually specific piezoelectric crystal microbalance flow-trough cells (10), each containing a piezoelectric crystal (50) carrying electrodes (56,62) and a coating (66,46) exposing a first member of an interaction pair specific for an individual analyte being a second member of the interaction pair. Flowing means (70) flows a solution (75) and the test solution aliquot (83) to and through a cell compartment of each of the cells (10) via the connecting station (100). Power and measurement means (130) oscillate the piezoelectric crystal(s) (50). A change in oscillating characteristics of the crystal(s) (50), following interaction between the first and second members of the interaction pair, detects presence of the individual analyte(s).

Abstract: A sensor element carrier for use in a mass-sensitive chemical sensor instrument comprises a base component and a lid component, the base component being adapted to receive, in use, a sensor, the signal generated by which depends on the mass of material adsorbed at a sensing surface thereof, the base component or the lid component having formed therein, in a recessed area, at least one channel for the ingress of sample fluid, the recessed area forming, in use and in conjunction with the sensing surface of the sensor, a sample chamber, the sensor being held, in use, between the base component and the lid component and the approach of the base component and lid component being limited on assembly of the sensor element by means of substantially rigid portions of each which come into abutment, thereby limiting the minimum height of the sample chamber for a given set of sensor, base and lid components.

Abstract: A method of covalently immobilising a charged chemical species on or near a sensor surface of a mass-sensitive chemical sensor, the sensor surface bearing functional groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the chemical species, the method involving the application of an electric field between the charged chemical species and the sensor surface such that the electrostatic attraction therebetween is increased.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor arrangement for analysis of fluid samples includes a signal source, a measuring device and a docking system. The sensor arrangement comprises a first part provided with means for receiving a sensor element that exposes a piezoelectric quartz crystal, a second part comprising fluid channels for the sample and a flow cell element, which preferably is removable and which comprises a recess, and inlet and outlet fluid channels for leading a fluid through the recess. The first and second parts are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position and are arranged such that in the closed position the recess of the flow cell element is sealingly covered by the piezoelectric quartz crystal so that a flow cell is formed by said flow cell element and the quartz crystal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator for use in a sensor arrangement for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises a quartz crystal plate, face. The first crystal surface is provided with a first electrode, which has a surface area of less than 15 mm2 and the second crystal surface is provided with a second electrode. The first electrode may have a rectangular surface shape. A flow cell for use in an apparatus for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises walls that form a sensing chamber together with the resonator, and inlet and outlet openings for leading a fluid through the sensing chamber. A part of the resonator constitutes one of the walls of the sensing chamber and is arranged such that the first electrode is situated inside the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A system, device and method for detection of several individual analytes in a test solution aliquot (83) with an array of individually operated piezoelectric crystal microbalances are described. The system comprises a connecting station (100) that receives a plurality of individually specific piezoelectric crystal microbalance flow-trough cells (10), each containing a piezoelectric crystal (50) carrying electrodes (56,62) and a coating (66,46) exposing a first member of an interaction pair specific for an individual analyte being a second member of the interaction pair. Flowing means (70) flows a solution (75) and the test solution aliquot (83) to and through a cell compartment of each of the cells (10) via the connecting station (100). Power and measurement means (130) oscillate the piezoelectric crystal(s) (50). A change in oscillating characteristics of the crystal(s) (50), following interaction between the first and second members of the interaction pair, detects presence of the individual analyte(s).