Efficient Electrochemiluminescence Sensing in Microfluidic Biosensors: A Review
Clementine Juliat Louw1, Pim de Haan2, Elisabeth Verpoorte2
1SensorLab, Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|March 25, 2024
Summary
Microfluidic electrochemiluminescence (MF-ECL) biosensors detect disease biomarkers at low concentrations for early diagnosis. Carbon quantum dots enhance MF-ECL by acting as both luminophores and co-reactants.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer precise fluid handling for biosensing applications.
- Microfluidic biosensors coupled with electrochemiluminescence (ECL) enable sensitive disease biomarker detection.
- Early disease detection relies on sensitive biomarker quantification at nanomolar to picomolar levels.
Approach:
- Reviewing the integration of microfluidic devices with biosensors for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection.
- Highlighting the critical role of luminophores in ECL-based biosensing.
- Investigating the dual function of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as luminophores and co-reactants in ECL analysis.
Key Points:
- Microfluidic electrochemiluminescence (MF-ECL) devices are suitable for early disease warning systems.
- CQDs possess advantageous properties like large surface area, facile functionalization, and unique luminescence.
- CQDs can serve as both the light-emitting source and a redox mediator in ECL reactions.
Conclusions:
- The unique properties of CQDs make them highly effective for enhancing MF-ECL biosensor performance.
- Integrating CQDs into MF-ECL systems offers a promising avenue for advanced disease diagnostics.
