Layer-by-layer assembly of functional silica and Au nanoparticles for fabricating electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensor

Nanostructured materials for electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based detection methods: recent advances and future perspectives

This review presents a general picture of the last advances and developments (2003-2008) related to novel nanostructured materials for electrochemiluminescence-based biosensors using. It briefly covers the basic mechanisms of ECL detection, and the recent developments in fabrication of solid-state ECL sensors using nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, thin films of metallopolymers and of inorganic metal complexes. Finally, challenges and perspectives of the use of such materials for biomedical diagnostics are discussed.

Applications of nanomaterials in electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensors

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (also called electrochemiluminescence and abbreviated ECL) involves the generation of species at electrode surfaces that then undergo electron-transfer reactions to form excited states that emit light. ECL biosensor, combining advantages offered by the selectivity of the biological recognition elements and the sensitivity of ECL technique, is a powerful device for ultrasensitive biomolecule detection and quantification. Nanomaterials are of considerable interest in the biosensor field owing to their unique physical and chemical properties, which have led to novel biosensors that have exhibited high sensitivity and stability. Nanomaterials including nanoparticles and nanotubes, prepared from metals, semiconductor, carbon or polymeric species, have been widely investigated for their ability to enhance the efficiencies of ECL biosensors, such as taking as modification electrode materials, or as carrier of ECL labels and ECL-emitting species. Particularly useful application of nanomaterials in ECL biosensors with emphasis on the years 2004-2008 is reviewed. Remarks on application of nanomaterials in ECL biosensors are also surveyed.