A dynamic surface tension detector (DSTD) for the multidimensional analysis of polymers and proteins in aqueous solutions is reviewed. The DSTD is briefly compared with other instrumental methods for the measurement and evaluation of timedependent surface tension assessment. The dynamic nature of the surface tension signal is shown to provide unique selectivity and useful chemical information. The benefits of multidimensional detection using the DSTD for flow injection analysis and high performance liquid chromatography providing selective and sensitive surface activity analysis are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.