QCM Strategies for Fundamental and Applied Measurements on Particles and Formulations

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a well-known analytical technique that enables sensitive and accurate measurement and characterization of materials adsorbed on a crystal’s surface. QCM has been demonstrated to be highly reliable to measure and characterize the mass of deposited samples, in both gas and liquid phases. In addition, the technique offers real-time monitoring, as well as low operation costs. These features make QCM suitable for a wide range of applications, from mass sensing for biosensors to the study of biomolecules, nanoparticles, and functionalized surface interactions. Hence, QCM has been exploited for the optimization of nanoparticles, thin films, and drugs’ formulations, for the development of their manufacturing process and as a versatile and easy-to-use tool for quality control. This chapter, therefore, firstly summarizes and critically reviews the latest fundamental and applied research studies on the implementations of QCM and QCM-D (QCM with dissipation factor) for the characterization of particles, films, and their interactions both with surfaces and the environment. Then research studies on the use of QCM in the pharmaceutical industry for the optimization of drugs’ formulations and for quality-control post manufacturing are also presented and discussed.