electrochemiluminescent

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is light emission generated by electrochemical reactions at an electrode surface. In electrochemiluminescent systems, a luminophore is driven to an excited state by redox processes, and the emitted light accompanies the return of the excited species to the ground state. ECL produces light without external illumination, enabling highly sensitive detection in analytical methods and diagnostics.

Mechanism: Applying a potential oxidizes or reduces the luminophore. In the presence of a co-reactant or coreactant, reactive intermediates form that transfer energy to the luminophore, creating an excited state. Radiative decay yields photons, typically in the visible region. The emission is temporally correlated with the electrochemical trigger and is often short-lived, which reduces background signals.

Common systems: The most widely used luminophore is Ru(bpy)3^2+ with tripropylamine as a co-reactant. Other metal complexes (e.g., certain iridium(III) compounds) and organic dyes are also used, sometimes with persulfate or sulfite as co-reactants. Newer approaches incorporate quantum dots and organic emitters for expanded wavelengths.

Applications and advantages: ECL is central to highly sensitive immunoassays and nucleic acid assays, particularly in clinical diagnostics, due to low background, wide dynamic range, and compatibility with automated platforms. Instrumentation includes an electrochemical detector coupled to a light detector such as a photomultiplier. Limitations include the need for specialized electrochemical equipment and careful control of reaction conditions.