Microgravimetric DNA sensor based on quartz crystal microbalance: comparison of oligonucleotide immobilization methods and the application in genetic diagnosis

We report on the study of immobilization DNA probes onto quartz crystal oscillators by self-assembly technique to form variety types of mono- and multi-layered sensing films towards the realization of DNA diagnostic devices. A 18-mer DNA probe complementary to the site of genetic beta-thalassaemia mutations was immobilized on the electrodes of QCM by covalent bonding or electrostatic adsorption on polyelectrolyte films to form mono- or multi-layered sensing films by self-assembled process. Hybridization was induced by exposure of the QCMs immobilized with DNA probe to a test solution containing the target nucleic acid sequences. The kinetics of DNA probe immobilization and hybridization with the fabricated DNA sensors were studied via in-situ frequency changes. The characteristics of QCM sensors containing mono- or multi-layered DNA probe constructed by direct chemical bonding, avidin-biotin interaction or electrostatic adsorption on polyelectrolyte films were compared. Results indicated that the DNA sensing films fabricated by immobilization of biotinylated DNA probe to avidin provide fast sensor response and high hybridization efficiencies. The effects of ionic strength of the buffer solution and the concentration of target nucleic acid used in hybridization were also studied. The fabricated DNA biosensor was used to detect a set of real samples. We conclude that the microgravimetric DNA sensor with its direct detection of amplified products provide a rapid, low cost and convenient diagnostic method for genetic disease.     

Covalent DNA immobilization on polymer-shielded silver-coated quartz crystal microbalance using photobiotin-based UV irradiation.

The use of a commercial, silver-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a disposable, low-cost, and reliable DNA sensor is presented. This is an incorporation of polymer-based silver electrode shielding and photochemistry-based surface modification for covalent DNA immobilization. To prevent undesired oxidation, the silver electrodes are coated with thin polystyrene films. The polymer surfaces are then modified by a photoreactive biotin derivative (photobiotin) under UV irradiation. The resulting biotin residues on the polymer-shielded surface react with a tetrameric avidin. Consequently a biotin-labeled DNA probe can be immobilized through a biotin-avidin-biotin bridge. A 14-mer single-stranded biotin-DNA probe and a 70-mer single-stranded DNA fragment containing complementary or noncomplementary sequences are used as a model system for DNA hybridization assay on the proposed sensors. The shielding ability of the polystyrene coatings after photo irradiation is investigated. The DNA probe binding capacity, hybridization efficiency, and kinetics are also investigated.     

Electrical frequency dependent characterization of DNA hybridization

The hybridization of oligomeric DNA was investigated using the frequency dependent techniques of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM). Synthetic 5'-amino terminated single stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA) were attached to the exposed glass surface between the digits of microlithographically fabricated interdigitated microsensor electrodes using 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane. Similar ssDNA immobilization was achieved to the surface of the gold driving electrodes of AT-cut quartz QCM crystals using 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane. Significant changes in electrochemical impedance values (both real and imaginary components) (11% increase in impedance modulus at 120 Hz) and resonant frequency values (0.004% decrease) were detected as a consequence of hybridization of the bound ssDNA upon exposure to its complement under hybridization conditions. Non-complementary (random) sequence sowed a modest decrease in impedance and a non-detectable change in resonant frequency. The possibility to detect the binding state of DNA in the vicinity of an electrode, without a direct connection between the measurement electrode and the DNA, has been demonstrated. The potential for development of label-free, low density DNA microarrays is demonstrated and is being pursued.     

Comparison of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance techniques for studying DNA assembly and hybridization

In this study we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique for studying DNA assembly and hybridization reactions. Specifically, we apply in parallel an SPR instrument and a 5 MHz QCM device with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to monitor the assembly of biotinylated DNA (biotin-DNA) on a streptavidin-modified surface and the subsequent target DNA hybridization. Through the parallel measurements, we demonstrate that SPR is more suitable for quantitative analysis of DNA binding amount, which is essential for interfacial DNA probe density control and for the analysis of its effect on hybridization efficiency and kinetics. Although the QCM is not quantitative to the same extent as SPR (QCM measures the total mass of the bound DNA molecules together with the associated water), the dissipation factor of the QCM provides a qualitative measure of the viscoelastic properties of DNA films and the conformation of the bound DNA molecules. The complexity in mass measurement does not impair QCM's potential for a kinetic evaluation of the hybridization processes. For quantification of target DNA, the biotin-DNA modified SPR and QCM sensors are exposed to target DNA with increasing concentration. The plots of SPR/QCM signals versus target DNA concentration show that water entrapment between DNA strands make the QCM sensitivity for the hybridization assay well comparable with that of the SPR, although the intrinsic mass sensitivity of the 5 MHz QCM is approximately 20 times lower.     

Frequency dependent and surface characterization of DNA immobilization and hybridization

The hybridization of oligomeric DNA was investigated using the frequency dependent techniques of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Synthetic 5'-amine-terminated single stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA) were immobilized on the surface of the oxidized platinum driving electrodes of AT-cut quartz QCM crystals using 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane. Similar ssDNA coupling was accomplished on the exposed glass surface between the metallic digits of microlithographically fabricated interdigitated microsensor electrodes (IMEs). Confirmation of this covalent coupling surface chemistry was achieved using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). Substantial changes in resonant frequency values (0.012% decrease) and electrochemical impedance values (both real and imaginary components) (35.4 and 42.1% increase in impedance magnitude at 1.0 Hz in buffer and deionized water, respectively) were observed resulting from hybridization of the attached ssDNA upon exposure to its complement under appropriate hybridization conditions. Non-complementary (random) oligomer sequence demonstrated a modest change in resonant frequency and a non-detectable change in impedance. Microarray glass slide surfaces modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPS), shown to be advantageous in the design and use of microarrays of amine-terminated ssDNA, is confirmed to arise from direct covalent coupling of the DNA to the surface with little non-specific adsorption. The possibility to detect the binding state of DNA in the vicinity of an electrode, without a direct connection between the measurement electrode and the DNA is hereby reported. The potential for development of label-free, low-density DNA microarrays is demonstrated and is being pursued.     

Study on colloidal Au-enhanced DNA sensing by quartz crystal microbalance

Colloidal Au is reported for enhancement the immobilization capacity and ultimately detection limit of DNA using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Immobilization of approximately 12 nm-diameter colloidal Au on to an Au-coated QCM resulted in an easier attachment of oligonucleotide, with a mercaptohexyl group at the 5'-phosphate end and an increased capacity for nucleic acid detection. DNA immobilization and hybridization was monitored from QCM frequency changes. Hybridization was induced by exposure of the DNA-containing films to complementary DNA in solution. A much higher sensitivity was obtained for the analyte. The Au nanoparticle films on the Au plate provide a novel means for the fabrication of DNA sensor.     

Detection and modelling of DNA hybridization by EIS measurements. Mention of a polythiophene matrix suitable for electrochemically controlled gene delivery

A conducting polymer sensor for direct label-free DNA detection based on a polythiophene bearing an electroactive linker group is investigated. DNA hybridization is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques. Modelling of DNA hybridization by EIS measurements exhibits the contribution of nucleic acid to a superficial p-doping process. A 675-mer single-stranded DNA is produced using asymmetric PCR from a DNA sequence of a transposable element mariner and hybridized to the previously immobilized probe. Electrochemical stimulus leads to the release "on demand" of DNA fragments and the amount delivery permits to do PCR amplification.     

Real-time detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 sequences using a circulating-flow system of quartz crystal microbalance

A DNA piezoelectric biosensing method for real-time detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a circulating-flow system was developed in this study. Specific probes [a 30-mer oligonucleotide with or without additional 12 deoxythymidine 5′-monophosphate (12-dT)] for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 gene eaeA, synthetic oligonucleotide targets (30 and 104 mer) and PCR-amplified DNA fragments from the E. coli O157:H7 eaeA gene (104 bp), were used to evaluate the efficiency of the probe immobilization and hybridization with target DNA in the circulating-flow quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device. It was found that thiol modification on the 5′-end of the probes was essential for probe immobilization on the gold surface of the QCM device. The addition of 12-dT to the probes as a spacer, significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the hybridization efficiency (H%). The results indicate that the spacer enhanced the H% by 1.4- and 2-fold when the probes were hybridized with 30- and 104-mer targets, respectively. The spacer reduced steric interference of the support on the hybridization behavior of immobilized oligonucleotides, especially when the probes hybridized with relatively long oligonucleotide targets. The QCM system was also applied in the detection of PCR-amplified DNA from real samples of E. coli O157:H7. The resultant H% of the PCR-amplified double-strand DNA was comparable to that of the synthetic target T-104AS, a single-strand DNA. The piezoelectric biosensing system has potential for further applications. This approach lays the groundwork for incorporating the method into an integrated system for rapid PCR-based DNA analysis.     

Genomic DNA hybridizes with the same rate constant on the QCM biosensor as in homogeneous solution

Hybridization rates of sheared, genomic E. coli DNA in 0.14 M, pH 6.7 phosphate buffer at 65 degrees C were determined by: (1) observing the rate of absorbance decrease at 260 nm due to self-hybridization in solution; and (2) measurement of the rate of mass increase caused by hybridization between DNA in solution and DNA photografted to polystyrene. The latter measurement was done using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). In both the spectrophotometric and QCM experiments the probe was identical to the target, as both were taken from the same sample of sheared E. coli DNA. In the QCM measurements, viscoelastic effects were made negligible by drying the biopolymer layer on the QCM's surface before taking the frequency readings. Our purpose was to explore the effect of immobilizing DNA on its hybridization rate constant. A second-order constant of 2.32 +/- 0.09 x 10(-6) ml microg(-1) s(-1), n = 14, for hybridization in solution was obtained spectrophotometrically, while the QCM experiment gave a constant of 2.2 +/- 0.3 x 10(-6) ml microg(-1) s(-1), n = 6. These values are not statistically different. The reaction half-lives for the spectrophotometric and QCM experiments were 6.5 h and 13 min, respectively. The shorter half-life on the QCM can be explained solely by the much greater reactant concentration in the QCM experiment. About 25% of the DNA was inactivated by the attachment reaction. After correcting for this, the surface-attached DNA hybridized with the same rate constant as DNA free in solution. Therefore, it is concluded that, in these specific experiments with genomic DNA, the immobilized regions must have been short compared to the length of the molecules. The data demonstrate the high hybridization rate obtainable when nucleic acids are hybridized in a thin-film, micro-volume reaction on a non-porous surface.     

Real-time detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 sequences using a circulating-flow system of quartz crystal microbalance

A DNA piezoelectric biosensing method for real-time detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a circulating-flow system was developed in this study. Specific probes [a 30-mer oligonucleotide with or without additional 12 deoxythymidine 5′-monophosphate (12-dT)] for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 gene eaeA, synthetic oligonucleotide targets (30 and 104 mer) and PCR-amplified DNA fragments from the E. coli O157:H7 eaeA gene (104 bp), were used to evaluate the efficiency of the probe immobilization and hybridization with target DNA in the circulating-flow quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device. It was found that thiol modification on the 5′-end of the probes was essential for probe immobilization on the gold surface of the QCM device. The addition of 12-dT to the probes as a spacer, significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the hybridization efficiency (H%). The results indicate that the spacer enhanced the H% by 1.4- and 2-fold when the probes were hybridized with 30- and 104-mer targets, respectively. The spacer reduced steric interference of the support on the hybridization behavior of immobilized oligonucleotides, especially when the probes hybridized with relatively long oligonucleotide targets. The QCM system was also applied in the detection of PCR-amplified DNA from real samples of E. coli O157:H7. The resultant H% of the PCR-amplified double-strand DNA was comparable to that of the synthetic target T-104AS, a single-strand DNA. The piezoelectric biosensing system has potential for further applications. This approach lays the groundwork for incorporating the method into an integrated system for rapid PCR-based DNA analysis.     

Enhancement of DNA immobilization and hybridization on gold electrode modified by nanogold aggregates

Gold electrodes modified by nanogold aggregates (nanogold electrode) were obtained by the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles onto planar gold electrode. The Electrochemical response of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe immobilization and hybridization with target DNA was measured by cyclic voltammograms (CV) using methylene blue (MB) as an electroactive indicator. An improving method using long sequence target DNA, which greatly enhanced the response signal during hybridization, was studied. Nanogold electrodes could largely increase the immobilization amount of ssDNA probe. The hybridization amount of target DNA could be increased several times for the manifold nanogold electrodes. The detection limit of nanogold electrode for the complementary 16-mer oligonucleotide (target DNA1) and long sequence 55-mer oligonucleotide (target DNA2) could reach the concentration of 10(-9) mol/L and 10(-11) mol/L, respectively, which are far more sensitive than that of the planar electrode.     

Missing mass effect in biosensor's QCM applications

Nowadays, liquid applications of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) opened a way for in situ studies of proteins, vesicles and cells adsorbed from the solution onto the QCM surface. The sensitivity of QCM to the viscoelasticity of the adsorbed biomaterial can be a reason of the experimentally observed deviation from a linear dependence of QCM resonant frequency on mass deposition (the so-called Sauerbrey relation) and can limit its application for biosensoring. Presented here rigorous theoretical analysis explains the deviation from ideal mass response of soft overlayers in the contact with liquid. The fundamental result of the theory is the analog of Sauerbrey relation for layered viscous/viscoelastic medium which can be exploited for the correct physical interpretation of QCM experimental data in biofluids, in particular for measurements of the 'true' surface mass of adsorbed biomolecular films. We predict a new physical effect 'missing mass' of the sample in liquid phase measurements and compare the results given by our theory with QCM measurements on supported membranes.     

QCM-based DNA biosensor for detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Development of a mass sensitive quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based DNA biosensor for the detection of the hybridization of CaMV 35S promoter sequence (P35S) was investigated for the screening of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Attention was focused on the choice of the coating chemistry that could be used for the immobilization of probe sequences on the gold surface of the quartz crystal. Two immobilization procedures were tested and compared considering the amount of the immobilized P35S probe and the extent of the hybridization reaction with the target oligonucleotide. In wet chemistry procedure, the interaction between the thiol and gold for the immobilization of a thiolated probe was employed. Direct surface functionalization of piezoelectric quartz crystals were achieved in 13.56 MHz plasma polymerization reactor utilising ethylenediamine (EDA) precursors for the immobilization of amined probes. Results indicated that immobilization of a thiolated probe provides better immobilization characteristics and higher sensitivity for the detection of the hybridization reaction. The thiolated probe was used for the detection of P35S sequence in PCR-amplified DNAs and in real samples of pflp (ferrodoxin like protein)-gene inserted tobacco plants. Fragmentation of the genomic DNAs were achieved by digestion with restriction endonucleases and ultrasonication. The results obtained from the fragmented genomic DNAs demonstrated that it is possible to detect the target sequence directly in non-amplified genomic DNAs by using the developed QCM-based DNA biosensor system. The developed QCM-based DNA biosensor represented promising results for a real-time, label-free, direct detection of DNA samples for the screening of GMOs.     

DNA point mutation detection based on DNA ligase reaction and nano-Au amplification: a piezoelectric approach

A novel piezoelectric method for DNA point mutation detection based on DNA ligase reaction and nano-Au-amplified DNA probes is proposed. A capture probe was designed with the potential point mutation site located at the 3' end and a thiol group at the 5' end to be immobilized on the gold electrode surface of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Successive hybridization with the target DNA and detection probe of nano-Au-labeled DNA forms a double-strand DNA (dsDNA). After the DNA ligase reaction and denaturing at an elevated temperature, the QCM frequency would revert to the original value for the target with single-base mismatch, whereas a reduced frequency response would be obtained for the case of the perfect match target. In this way, the purpose of point mutation discrimination could be achieved. The current approach is demonstrated with the identification of a single-base mutation in artificial codon CD17 of the beta-thalassemia gene, and the wild type and mutant type were discriminated successfully. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showing that plenty of gold nanoparticles remained on the electrode surface demonstrated that the nano-Au label served as an efficient signal amplification agent in QCM assay. A detection limit of 2.6 x 10(-9)mol/L of oligonucleotides was achieved. Owing to its ease of operation and low detection limit, it is expected that the proposed procedure may hold great promise in both research-based and clinical genomic assays.     

Self-assembly DNA-conjugated polymer for detection of single nucleotide polymorphism

We developed a self-assembly DNA-conjugated polymer based on polyacrylic acid (PAA) for DNA chip fabrication. A 20-mer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA, probe-1), and 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionyl hydrazide (PDPH), for promoting self-assembled immobilization, were both covalently attached to PAA as sidechains. This DNA-conjugated PAA was then spontaneously immobilized on a gold substrate. Probe-1 on the immobilized polymer was hybridized to a 34-mer ssDNA (probe-2), which had the sequence desired for analyzing the target DNA. The fluorescence intensity after incubating the P-1 DNA-conjugated polymer with probe-2 DNA was much higher than with control sequence in the first hybridization. The interactions between target DNA and the DNA-conjugated PAA were investigated by fluorescence measurement. The interaction of fully matched target DNA with this immobilized DNA conjugated polymer has been studied at different ion strength conditions. SNP sequences as targets showed less than 15% the intensity of fully matched target DNA in the second hybridization, indicating that the gold surfaces coated with the DNA-conjugated PAA was highly specific to fully matched DNA. The DNA-conjugated PAA immobilized on a gold substrate is characterized by reduced nonspecific adsorption, due to less electrostatic repulsion as well as the polymer coating. Therefore, DNA-conjugated PAA can be used for probe DNA immobilization method.     

Electrochemical measurement of DNA hybridization using nanosilver as label and horseradish peroxidase as enhancer

A simple and sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor based on in situ DNA amplification with nanosilver as label and horseradish peroxide (HRP) as enhancer has been designed. The thiolated oligomer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was initially directly immobilized on a gold electrode, and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gave the specific amount of ssDNA adsorption of 6.3 ± 0.1 ng/cm². With a competitive format, hybridization reaction was carried out via immersing the DNA biosensor into a stirred hybridization solution containing different concentrations of the complementary ssDNA and constant concentration of nanosilver-labeled ssDNA, and then further binding with HRP. The adsorbed HRP amount on the probe surface decreased with the increment of the target ssDNA in the sample. The hybridization events were monitored by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with the adsorbed HRP toward the reduction of H₂O₂. The reduction current from the enzyme-generated product was related to the number of target ssDNA molecules in the sample. A detection of 15 pmol/L for target ssDNA was obtained with the electrochemical DNA biosensor. Additionally, the developed approach can effectively discriminate complementary from non-complementary DNA sequence, suggesting that the similar enzyme-labeled DNA assay method hold great promises for sensitive electrochemical biosensor applications.     

Ultrasensitive quartz crystal microbalance sensors for detection of M13-Phages in liquids

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors are widely used for determining liquid properties or probing interfacial processes. For some applications the sensitivity of the QCM sensors typically used (5–20 MHz) is limited compared with other biosensor methods. In this study ultrasensitive QCM sensors with resonant frequencies from 39 to 110 MHz for measurements in the liquid phase are presented. The fundamental sensor effect of a QCM is the decrease of the resonant frequency of an oscillating quartz crystal due to the binding of mass on a coated surface during the measurement. The sensitivity of QCM sensors increases strongly with an increasing resonant frequency and, therefore, with a decreasing thickness of the sensitive area. The new kind of ultrasensitive QCM sensors used in this study is based on chemically milled shear mode quartz crystals which are etched only in the center of the blank, forming a thin quartz membrane with a thick, mechanically stable outer ring. An immunoassay using a virus specific monoclonal antibody and a M13-Phage showed an increase in the signal to noise ratio by a factor of more than 6 for 56 MHz quartz crystals compared with standard 19 MHz quartz crystals, the detection limit was improved by a factor of 200. Probing of acoustic properties of glycerol/water mixtures resulted in an increase in sensitivity, which is in very good agreement with theory. Chemically milled QCM sensors strongly improve the sensitivity in biosensing and probing of acoustic properties and, therefore, offer interesting new application fields for QCM sensors.     

Oligonucleotide quartz crystal microbalance sensor for the microalgae Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae)

We report the immobilization on a gold surface of a 20-base DNA probe labeled with disulfide group and on the selective hybridization with the complementary 20-base DNA strand. The oligonucleotide probe is the complementary strand of a partial sequence of the gene encoding for a large ribosomal RNA sub-unit which is a coding sequence of Alexandrium minutum DNA, a microalgae that produces neurotoxins responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning on European and Asian coasts. The kinetics of DNA probe immobilization and hybridization were monitored in situ by using a 27 MHz quartz crystal microbalance under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. The frequency of the setup is stable to within a few hertz, corresponding to the nanogram scale, for 3h and makes it possible to follow frequency change from immobilization of the probe to hybridization of the complementary DNA target. This setup constitutes a biosensor, which is sensitive and selective, and the hybridization ratio between hybridized complementary DNA and immobilized DNA probes is 47%.     

A new approach for immobilization of oligonucleotides onto piezoelectric quartz crystal for preparation of a nucleic acid sensor for following hybridization

The aim of this study is to develop a nucleic acid sensor based on piezoelectric crystal microbalance system (QCM) for following hybridization. Piezoelectric quartz crystal surfaces were first treated in a glow-discharge apparatus with ethylene diamine (EDA) plasma at 15 W (discharge power), 2.5 min (incubation time) and 35 ml/min (monomer flow rate) to create amino groups on the crystal surfaces. The thickness of the EDA-plasma film formed was about 43+/-24 A. Then, the amino groups on the crystal surfaces were converted to aldehyde groups by reacting the amino groups with glutaraldehyde (GA) at different conditions. A GA concentration of 2.5% and an incubation time of 2 h were selected as optimal values at this step, corresponding to a GA surface concentration of about 270 ng/cm2. A double strand Oligonucleotides, having one extra base on 5'-end of one of the complementary strands, were immobilized through the amino groups of this base onto the GA-modified crystals. Optimal immobilization conditions were as follows: oligonucleotide concentration: 1 microg/ml; time: 3 h; pH: 9.2 carbonate buffer; ionic strength: 0.1; and temperature: 20 degrees C. The QCM sensor carrying the covalently bound strand was used in the hybridization experiments, which showed that equilibrium is achieved in about 5 min, and the frequency shift measured is related to the concentration of the target strand to be measured within the medium.     

Influence of cosolvents on the hydrophobic surface immobilization topography of Candida antarctica lipase B

The presence of cosolvents and co-solutes during the immobilization of lipases on hydrophobic supports may influence the extent of lipase immobilization and the long-term catalytic stability of the biocatalyst. Candida antarctica B lipase immobilization was examined on a hydrophobic surface, i.e., gold modified with a methyl-terminated, self-assembled alkylthiol layer. Lipase adsorption was monitored gravimetrically using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Lipase activity was determined colorimetrically by following p-nitrophenol propionate hydrolysis. Adsorbed lipase topography was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lipase adsorption from low ionic strength aqueous buffer produced a uniform confluent protein monolayer. Inclusion of 10% (vol) ethanol in the buffer during immobilization resulted in a 33% adsorbed mass increase. Chemically similar cosolvents, all at 10% by volume in buffer, were also individually examined for their influence on CALB adsorption. Glycerol or 1-propanol increased mass adsorption by 10%, while 2-propanol increased mass adsorption by 33%. QCM dissipation values increased threefold with the inclusion of either ethanol or 2-propanol in the medium during lipase adsorption, indicating formation of multilayers of CALB. Partial multilayer formation using 10% ethanol was confirmed by AFM. Inclusion of 10% ethanol in the CALB immobilization buffer decreased the specific activity of the immobilized lipase by 37%. The formation of lipase multilayers in the presence of certain cosolvents thus results in lower specific activity, which might be due to either influences on lipase conformation or substrate active site accessibility.