A Novel QCM-based Biosensor for Detection of Microorganisms Producing Hydrogen Sulfide

Abstract

A novel piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device with gas permeable membrane is proposed for the detection of microorganisms producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The detection theory is based on the adsorption of hydrogen sulfide onto the silver electrode of the piezoelectric crystal sensor, which causes a dramatic decrease in the resonant frequency of QCM. A 100 Hz frequency shift is chosen as the criteria value to judge the presence of microorganisms producing H₂S. Factors affecting detection were investigated. Desiccant is of great practical importance in sensor response. This new biosensor can be a potential candidate for detecting bacteria which produce hydrogen sulfide.

Keywords:

• Hydrogen sulfide
• microorganism
• quartz crystal microbalance

We are grateful to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (751214049) for financial support of this work.