Characterization of Protein Using SAW Resonator

The purpose of this thesis is to study methods to characterize liquid samples, and protein samples, by using SAW or SAW related resonator devices. Specifically, we would like to quickly characterize liquids like albumin or other liquid materials that may be expensive or difficult to obtain in large quantities. It would be a great benefit to be able to find the conductance, susceptance, viscosity, and other properties of these liquids quickly and inexpensively using quantities of less than one microliter. Previous work by Saluja and Kalonia et al. measured these parameters to about 10MHz. This study brings the frequency at which the measurements are done to beyond 600MHz. It is believed that if improvements can be implemented that the sensitivity of such measurements can be an improvement on existing technology. A 640 MHz SAW resonator was constructed with a layer of photoresist and an RTV well for containing the sample under test. Conductance and susceptance data from liquids applied to the resonator well show that it is possible to characterize various concentrations of PEG20K in DI water, and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin), although further study is needed to verify the findings.