Evaluation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using piezoelectric tuning forks mass sensors

Abstract

A novel method of biofilm growth evaluation is presented in this paper. Using quartz tuning forks as disposable mass sensors, authors were able to observe Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth in all its phases. Applied fully electric tuning fork resonance frequency measurement methods eliminate the use of additional actuator. Admittance versus frequency characteristics of tuning forks where used to estimate their resonant frequency. High resonant frequency measurement resolution of around 10 mHz achieved owing to high tuning fork quality factor and good temperature influence compensation in developed electronic circuits resulted in a mass change measurement resolution of around 50 pg. Such resolution is sufficient to observe all phases of biofilm growth on the sensors surface. Presented method is fast, cost effective and doesn’t require any complicated sample preparation.