Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities in Electrochemiluminescence Bioimaging

Area of Science:

• Bioimaging
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Electroluminescence (ECL) is an imaging technique triggered by redox reactions, eliminating the need for external light excitation.
• ECL offers a near-zero background and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), making it suitable for quantitative biological analysis.
• Recent advancements in luminophores, electrodes, and imaging systems have enhanced ECL performance for high-spatiotemporal-resolution imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the core mechanisms and constructions of ECL bioimaging.
• To discuss the applications of ECL bioimaging across various biological scales, from immunoassays to tissue imaging.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for the future of ECL bioimaging.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on electrochemiluminescence bioimaging.
• Analysis of advancements in luminophores, electrodes, and optical imaging systems.
• Discussion of current and potential applications in biological analysis.

Main Results:

• ECL bioimaging has demonstrated significant progress in areas like in vitro immunoassays, in vivo cell imaging, and heterogeneous tissue imaging.
• The technique shows potential for multiscale biological applications due to its quantitative nature and high SNR.
• Key challenges include low photon flux and limited penetration depth, impacting spatiotemporal resolution and 3D imaging.

Conclusions:

• ECL bioimaging is a rapidly developing field with broad applications in biological research and clinical diagnostics.
• Future directions should focus on overcoming limitations in photon flux, penetration depth, and enhancing spatiotemporal resolution, 3D excitation, biocompatibility, and multiplexing capabilities.
• ECL bioimaging is poised to become a central bioanalytical tool with transformative potential.