Acoustic Streaming Actuator and Multifrequency Resonator Sensor

We introduce an analysis platform for the viscoelastic properties of biological fluids such as the synovia found in articular joints. Small sample volumes are available for diagnostic purpose. Our approach uses a thickness shear mode quartz crystal integrated in an electrodynamically actuated spring structure. This combines the sensitivity of the quartz resonator operating at several overtones in the MHz range with previously introduced low kHz frequency multimode resonators. The latter is not only advantageous for characterizing viscoelastic fluids but is also used as an acoustic streaming actuator. Particulate matter in the sample thus can be resuspended and their settling is observed by tracking the resonance frequencies and Q-factors of both the quartz and electrodynamic resonator sensors.