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Protein-ligand interactions by QCM: challenges and resolutions
Olga Volkova1, Anastasia Serova1, Ekaterina Skorb1
1Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Drug Discovery Today
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) offers sensitive, label-free detection of biomolecular interactions for drug discovery. This review details strategies to enhance QCM
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Label-free, real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions is crucial for drug discovery.
- Existing techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) have limitations.
- Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) presents a highly sensitive alternative for mass-based detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) as a key technology for label-free, real-time biomolecular interaction analysis.
- To focus on the application of QCM in protein-ligand binding studies within drug discovery.
- To provide a comprehensive framework of theoretical principles and practical solutions for QCM implementation.
Main Methods:
- Review of QCM principles and its application in analyzing biomolecular binding kinetics.
- Discussion of strategies for optimizing protein immobilization on QCM sensors.
- Analysis of methods for interpreting low-mass ligand binding signals.
- Comparison of QCM sensitivity and performance against SPR and ITC.
Main Results:
- QCM demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to nanogram-level mass changes, enabling detection of low-affinity interactions.
- Effective strategies for protein immobilization and signal interpretation in QCM assays were consolidated.
- QCM offers a viable label-free, real-time alternative to established methods like SPR and ITC for specific applications.
Conclusions:
- QCM is a powerful and sensitive tool for label-free, real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions, particularly protein-ligand binding.
- Addressing challenges in immobilization and signal interpretation can significantly advance QCM utility in drug discovery.
- The review provides a foundation for expanding QCM applications in rational drug design, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
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