Electroactive planar waveguide studies of Ru(bpy)3(2+) intercalated in a thin clay film: I. Transport and electrochemical phenomena

Electroactive planar waveguide (EAPW) instrumentation was used to perform potential modulated absorbance (PMA) experiments at indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes coated with 0-, 300-, 800-, and 1200-nm-thick SWy-1 montmorillonite clay. PMA experiments performed at low potential modulation monitor mass transport events within 100 nm of the ITO surface and, thus, when used in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry (CV), can elucidate charge transport mechanisms. The data show that at very thin films electron transfer is controlled by electron hopping (sensitive to the anion species in the electrolyte) in an adsorbed Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) layer. As the thickness of the clay film grows, electron transfer may become controlled by mass transfer of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) within the clay film to and from the electrode surface, a mechanism that is affected by the swelling of the film. Film swelling is controlled by the cation of the electrolyte. Films loaded with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) while being subjected to evanescent wave stimulation demonstrate a large hydrophobic layer. The growth of the hydrophobic layer is attributed to the formation of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+*), which has negative charge located at the periphery of the molecule enhancing clay/complex repulsion. The results suggest that the structure of the film and the mechanism of charge transport can be rationally controlled. Simultaneous measurements of the ingress of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) into the clay film by CV and PMA provide a means to determine the diffusion coefficient of the complex.     

A Solid‐State Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on MWCNTs‐Nafion and Ru(bpy)32+/Nano‐Pt Nanocomposites for Detection of α‐Fetoprotein

A approach was successfully employed for constructing a solid‐state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐Nafion composite film, Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/nano‐Pt aggregates (Ru‐PtNPs) and Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs). The influence of Pt nanoparticles on the ECL intensity was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the electroactive surface area of different electrodes with or without PtNPs to immobilize Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The principle of ECL detection for target α‐fetoprotein antigen (AFP) was based on the increment of resistance after immunoreaction, which led to a decrease in ECL intensity. The linear response range was 0.01–10 ng mL^?1 with the detection limit of 3.3 pg mL^?1. The immunosensor exhibited advantages of simple preparation and operation, high sensitivity and good selectivity.     

Effects of electron withdrawing and donating groups on the efficiency of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)/tri-n-propylamine electrochemiluminescence

The effects of electron withdrawing and electron donating groups on the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) properties of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+) where bpy = 2,2'-pyridine) are reported. The electrochemistry, photophysics and ECL of (bpy)2Ru(DC-bpy)2+, and (bpy)2Ru(DM-bpy)2+ (DC = 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine; DM = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been studied relative to Ru(bpy)3(2+) in 50:50 (v/v) acetonitrile(CH3CN):H2O (0.1 M KH2PO4), and aqueous solutions. Furthermore, the effects of Triton X-100 (polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether) on the electrochemical, spectroscopic and ECL properties of these compounds are reported. The anodic oxidation of Ru(bpy)3(2+), (bpy)2Ru(DC-bpy)2+, and (bpy)2Ru(DM-bpy)2+ produces ECL in the presence of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) in all solvent systems. ECL efficiencies (phi(ecl), photons produced per redox event) of 0.73 and 0.84 for (bpy)2Ru(DC-bpy)2+, and (bpy)2Ru(DM-bpy)2+ were obtained in aqueous buffered solution, using Ru(bpy)3(2+) as a relative standard (phi(ecl) = 1.0). Addition of 0.4 mM Triton X-100 results in a greater than 2-fold increase in ECL efficiences (i.e., 3.8, 2.4 and 2.3 for Ru(bpy)3(2+), (bpy)2Ru(DC-bpy)2+, and (bpy)2Ru(DM-bpy)2+, respectively) using aqueous Ru(bpy)3(2+) containing no surfactant as standard (phi(ecl) = 1.0). ECL efficiencies of 27.4, 16.5 and 26.1 were found in 50:50 (v/v) CH3CN:H2O (0.1 M KH2PO4) for Ru(bpy)3(2+), (bpy)2Ru(DC-bpy)2+, and (bpy)2Ru(DM-bpy)2+, respectively, using aqueous Ru(bpy)3(2+) containing no surfactant as standard (phi(ecl) = 1.0). Detailed studies support adsorption of surfactant on the electrode surface, thus facilitating TPrA and ruthenium oxidation.     

Sensitive determination of heroin based on electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) immobilized in zeolite Y modified carbon paste electrode

A novel method for rapid, inexpensive, sensitive and selective determination of heroin was proposed by flow injection electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL). Zeolite Y sieves were used for the preparation of a ECL sensor by immobilizing tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) in their supercages, which was achieved through the ion exchange properties of the sieves. The electrochemical and ECL behaviors of Ru(bpy)3(2+) immobilized in zeolite Y modified carbon paste electrode was investigated. The immobilized Ru(bpy)3(2+) displayed a pair of surface-controlled redox peaks with an electron transfer rate constant of 1.2 +/- 0.1 s(-1) in 0.1 mol dm(-3) pH 6.3 phosphate buffer. The modified electrode showed an electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of heroin, producing a sensitized ECL signal. The ECL sensor showed a linear response to flow injection of heroin in the range of 2.0-80 micromol dm(-3) with a detection limit of 1.1 micromol dm(-3). This method for heroin determination possessed good sensitivity and reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of 1.99% (n = 15) at 50.0 micromol dm(-3). The ECL sensor showed good selectivity and long-term stability. Its surface could be renewed quickly and reproducibly by a simple polish step.     

Effects of Divalent Metal Ions on Electrochemiluminescence Sensor with Ru(bpy)32+ Immobilized in Eastman‐AQ Membrane

Different effects of divalent metal ions on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Eastman‐AQ membrane were investigated. Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ can elevate the ECL of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/proline; while metal ions that underwent redox reactions on the electrode such as Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺ presented intensive quenching effects on Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ ECL. Also, the quenching effect of Mn²⁺ on the ECL sensor with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Eastman‐AQ membrane enhanced to about 30‐folds compared with the case that Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was dissolved in phosphate buffer, and the enhanced quenching effects of Mn²⁺ were studied.     

Using stannous ion as an excellent inorganic ECL coreactant for tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II)

It was found that stannous chloride (SnCl(2)), as a popular inorganic reducing reagent, could obviously enhance the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)) in aqueous solution. Some factors affecting the ECL reactions between Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and Sn(2+), including pH, concentrations of coreactant, and electrode materials, were investigated by comparison with a classic ECL coreactant tripropylamine (TPA). The Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-Sn(2+) ECL coreactant system produces stronger and more stable ECL signals, can keep its excellent ECL activity over a wider pH range and has more choices in using electrode materials than the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-TPA ECL coreactant system. The ECL mechanism of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-Sn(2+) coreactant system was also studied in detail.     

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence sensor from tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) incorporated into MCM-41 and an ionic liquid-based carbon paste electrode

The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)] ion-exchanged in the sulfonic-functionalized MCM-41 silicas was developed with tripropylamine (TPrA) as a co-reactant in a carbon paste electrode (CPE) using a room temperature ionic liquid (IL) as a binder. The sulfonic-functionalized silicas MCM-41 were used for preparing an ECL sensor by the electrostatic interactions between Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) cations and sulfonic acid groups. We used the IL as a binder to construct the CPE (IL-CPE) to replace the traditional binder of the CPE (T-CPE)--silicone oil. The results indicated that the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE had more open structures to allow faster diffusion of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and that the ionic liquid also acted as a conducting bridge to connect TPrA with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) sites immobilized in the electrode, resulting in a higher ECL intensity compared with the MCM-41-modified T-CPE. Herein, the detection limit for TPrA of the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE was 7.2 nM, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that observed at the T-CPE. When this new sensor was used in flow injection analysis (FIA), the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE ECL sensor also showed good reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor could also be renewed easily by mechanical polishing whenever needed.     

Preparation and multicolor electrochromic performance of a WO3/tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)/polymer hybrid film

A tungsten trioxide (WO(3))/tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)(3)](2+); bpy=2,2'-bipyridine)/poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) hybrid film was prepared by electrodeposition from a colloidal triad solution containing peroxotungstic acid (PTA), [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+), and PSS. A binary solution of [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and PTA (30 vol % ethanol in water) gradually gave an orange precipitate, possibly caused by the electrostatic interaction between the cationic [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and the anionic PTA. The addition of PSS to the binary PTA/[Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) solution remarkably suppressed this precipitation and caused a stable, colloidal triad solution to form. The spectrophotometric measurements and lifetime analyses of the photoluminescence from the excited [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion in the colloidal triad solution suggested that the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion is partially shielded from electrostatic interaction with anionic PTA by the anionic PSS polymer chain. The formation of the colloidal triad made the ternary [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)/PTA/PSS solution much more redox active. Consequently, the rate of electrodeposition of WO(3) from PTA increased appreciably by the formation of the colloidal triad, and fast electrodeposition is required for the unique preparation of this hybrid film. The absorption spectrum of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion in the film was close to its spectrum in water, but the photoexcited state of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion was found to be quenched completely by the presence of WO(3) in the hybrid film. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of the hybrid film suggested that the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion performs as it is adsorbed onto WO(3) during the electrochemical oxidation. An ohmic contact between the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion and the WO(3) surface could allow the electrochemical reaction of adsorbed [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+). The composition of the hybrid film, analyzed by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), suggested that the positive charge of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion could be neutralized by partially reduced WO(3)(-) ions, in addition to Cl(-) and PSS units, based on the charge balance in the film. The electrostatic interaction between the WO(3)(-) ion and the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion might be responsible for forming the electron transfer channel that causes the complete quenching of the photoexcited [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion, as well as the formation of the ohmic contact between the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion and WO(3). A multicolor electrochromic performance of the WO(3)/[Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)/PSS hybrid film was observed, in which transmittances at 459 and 800 nm could be changed, either individually or at once, by the selection of a potential switch. Fast responses, of within a few seconds, to these potential switches were exhibited by the electrochromic hybrid film.     

Self-quenching in the electrochemiluminescence of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(ii) using metabolites of catecholamines as co-reactants

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) using metabolites of catecholamines: homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) as co-reactants were investigated in aqueous solution for the first time. When HVA and VMA were co-existent in the buffer solution containing Ru(bpy)(3)(2+), ECL peaks were observed at a potential corresponding to the oxidation of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+), and the ECL intensity was increased noticeably when the concentrations of HVA and VMA were at lower levels. The linear calibration range was from 8.0 × 10(-5) to 1.0 × 10(-9) M for HVA and VMA. The detection limit (S/N = 3) of HVA and VMA was 4.0 × 10(-10) M. The formation of the excited state Ru(bpy)(3)(2+*) was confirmed to result from the reaction between Ru(bpy)(3)(3+) and the intermediates of HVA or VMA radicals. Moreover, it was found that the ECL intensity was quenched significantly when the concentrations of HVA and VMA were relatively higher. The mechanism of self-quenching processes involved in the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-HVA and -VMA ECL systems are proposed in this study.     

Nanoscale-enhanced Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrochemiluminescence labels and related aptamer-based biosensing system

A unique multilabeling at a single-site protocol of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system is proposed. Nanoparticles (NPs) were used as assembly substrates to enrich ECL co-reactants of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) to construct nanoscale-enhanced ECL labels. Two different kinds of NP substrates [including semiconductor NPs (CdTe) and noble metal NPs (gold)] capped with 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol (DMAET) [a tertiary amine derivative which is believed to be one of the most efficient of co-reactants of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) system] were synthesized through a simple one-pot synthesis method in aqueous media. Although both CdTe and gold NPs realized the enrichment of ECL co-reactants, they presented entirely different ECL performances as nanoscale ECL co-reactants of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+). The different effects of these two NPs on the ECL of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) were studied. DMAET-capped CdTe NPs showed enormous signal amplification of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL, whereas DMAET-capped gold NPs showed a slight quenching effect of the ECL signal. DMAET-capped CdTe NPs can be considered to be excellent nanoscale ECL labels of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) system, as even a NP solution sample of 10(-18) M was still detectable after an electrostatic self-assembly concentration process. DMAET-capped CdTe NPs were further applied in the construction of aptamer-based biosensing system for proteins and encouraging results were obtained.     

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence reaction of tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) with 2,5-dimethylthiophene as co-reactant in aqueous solution

A novel effective co-reactant for electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) has been found. Alpha-position-dialkylated thiophene derivatives such as 2,5-dimethylthiophene (DMT) could be used as a co-reactant for Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL. The reaction mechanism of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/DMT system was proposed on the basis of the identification of the reaction product, the relationship between the molecular structure and the chemiluminescent intensity, and the electrochemical study. The obtained reaction mechanism was similar to that of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/aliphatic tertiary amine system. Based on these results, the preliminary studies of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL detection system using DMT as a co-reactant were performed. Under the optimal ECL conditions, the plot of ECL intensity versus the concentration of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was linear over the concentration range 1.0x10(-8) to 1.5x10(-7) M (determination coefficient=0.9996).     

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence 69: the tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II), (Ru(bpy)3(2+))/tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) system revisited-a new route involving TPrA*+ cation radicals

The reaction occurring on electrooxidation of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) leads to the production of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and light emission. The accepted mechanism of this widely used reaction involves the reaction of Ru(bpy)(3)(3+) and a reduced species derived from the free radical of the TPrA. However, this mechanism does not account for many of the observed features of this reaction. A new route involving the intermediacy of TPrA cation radicals (TPrA(*+)) in the generation of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was established, based on results of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)-electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) experiments, as well as cyclic voltammetry simulations. A half-life of approximately 0.2 ms was estimated for TPrA(*+) in neutral aqueous solution. Direct evidence for TPrA(*+) in this medium was obtained via flow cell electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments at approximately 20 degrees C. The ESR spectra of the TPrA(*+) species consisted of a relatively intense and sharp septet with a splitting of approximately 20 G and a g value of 2.0038.     

Paper-based solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor using poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) functionalized graphene/nafion composite film

Herein, highly efficient solid-state ECL sensor was introduced for the first time onto the screen printed electrodes of the paper-based chips (PCs) based on the composite film of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) functionalized graphene (PSSG) and Nafion. Attributed to the cooperative characteristics of both PSS and graphene, PSSG ensured both effective Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilization and fast electron transfer of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in the composite film. The ECL behaviors at the developed sensor were investigated using tripropylamine as a representative analyte and low detection limit (S N⁻¹ = 3) of 5.0 nM was obtained. It also exhibited more excellent reproducibility (relative standard deviations of 0.63% for continuous 45 cycles) and long-term stability (∼80% of its initial ECL intensity could be retained over 3 months). More importantly, assisted by the developed ECL sensor, discrimination of 1.0 nM single-nucleotide mismatch in human urine matrix could be realized on the PCs for the first attempt. Thus, the developed sensor was confirmed with the advantages of highly sensitivity, long-term stability, simplicity, low cost, disposability, high efficiency and potential applicability.     

Electrochemiluminescence of Ru(II) complexes immobilized on a magnetic microbead surface: distribution of magnetic microbeads on the electrode surface and effect of azide ion

The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of magnetic microbeads modified with tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) was studied in the presence of tri-n-propylamine (TPA) to develop highly sensitive ECL detection system, where the employed microbead has a diameter of 4.5 microm. The ECL signal of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ derivative-modified magnetic microbeads was found to be affected by the geometrical distribution of the magnetic microbeads on the electrode surface. The ECL peak intensity increased with increasing the number of the beads on the electrode surfaces up to 1.6 x 10(6) beads cm(-2), although above 1.6 x 10(6) beads cm(-2), it decreased. The ECL decrease arises from the physical prevention of the ECL from reaching the photomultiplier tube by the excessive beads. The observed peak ECL signal of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ derivative-modified magnetic microbeads in the presence of NaN3, which serves as a preservative substance, mainly appeared at a potential of +0.90 V vs Ag/AgCl where [Ru(bpy)3]2+ is hardly oxidized, whereas the ECL signal in the absence of NaN3 appeared at a potential of +1.15 V. The presence of NaN3 on the electrode surface retards formation of an oxide layer on the electrode surfaces and promotes TPA oxidation. The ECL response at +0.90 V was mainly attributed to ECL reaction of excited-state [Ru(bpy)3]2+* formed by oxidation of [Ru(bpy)3]+ with TPA radical cation, where the [Ru(bpy)3]+ was generated by reduction of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ with TPA radical.     

A ruthenium(II) complex based turn-on electrochemiluminescence probe for the detection of nitric oxide

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection technique using bipyridine-ruthenium(II) complexes as probes is a highly sensitive and widely used method for the detection of various biological and bioactive molecules. In this work, the spectral, electrochemical and ECL properties of a chemically modified bipyridine-ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dabpy)](2+) (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridine; dabpy: 4-(3,4-diaminophenoxy)-2,2'-bipyridine), were investigated and compared with those of its nitric oxide (NO)-reaction derivative [Ru(bpy)(2)(T-bpy)](2+) (T-bpy: 4-triazolephenoxy-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+). It was found that the ECL intensity of [Ru(bpy)(2)(dabpy)](2+) could be selectively and sensitively enhanced by NO due to the formation of [Ru(bpy)(2)(T-bpy)](2+) in the presence of tri-n-propylamine. By using [Ru(bpy)(2)(dabpy)](2+) as a probe, a sensitive and selective ECL method with a wide linear range (0.55 to 220.0 μM) and a low detection limit (0.28 μM) was established for the detection of NO in aqueous solutions and living cells. The results demonstrated the utility and advantages of the new ECL probe for the detection of NO in complicated biological samples.     

DNA biosensor based on the electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)3(2+) with DNA-binding intercalators

This paper reports a novel detection method for DNA hybridization based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) with a DNA-binding intercalator as a reductant of Ru(bpy)(3)(3+). Some ECL-inducible intercalators have been screened in this study using electrochemical methods combined with a chemiluminescent technique. The double-stranded DNA intercalated by doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) shows a good ECL with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) at +1.19 V (versus Ag/AgCl), while the non-intercalated single-stranded DNA does not. In order to stabilize the self-assembled DNA molecules during ECL reaction, we constructed the ECL DNA biosensor separating the ECL working electrode with an immobilized DNA probe. A gold electrode array on a plastic plate was assembled with a thru-hole array where oligonucleotide probes were immobilized in the side wall of thru-hole array. The fabricated ECL DNA biosensor was used to detect several pathogens using ECL technique. A good specificity of single point mutations for hepatitis disease was obtained by using the DAPI-intercalated Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL.     

Potential controlling highly-efficient catalysis of wheat-like silver particles for electrochemiluminescence immunosensor labeled by nano-Pt@Ru and multi-sites biotin/streptavidin affinity

The potential controlling silver catalysis for Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal at a special potential -0.4～1.25 V was newly developed as the new ECL signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive protein detection. Firstly, the wheat-like deposited silver (DpAg) particles were modified on the bare glass carbon electrode (GCE) surface by cyclic voltammetry deposition to capture the primary antibodies and then bind the antigen analytes. Secondly, as a sandwich immunoreaction format, the secondary antibodies conjugated with the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-doped Pt (Pt@Ru) nanoparticles by the multi-sites biotin/streptavidin (SA) affinity can be captured onto the electrode surface to generate ECL signal. In the proposed Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL system without any co-reactant, the detected ECL signal was amplified due to following multiple amplification strategies: (1) the ECL catalysis for Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was performed by electro-inducing the DpAg particles to generate Ag(+) ion and controlled by the special potential. The catalyzer Ag(+) was produced near the electrode surface and reproduced by cyclic potential scan, which improved the catalytic efficiency. (2) The amount of the ECL signal probes linked to secondary antibodies were amplified by the adsorption of Pt nanoparticles and the multiple sites bridge linkage of biotin/SA. These new multiple signal amplification strategies made the proposed ECL immunosensor achieve ultrasensitive detection for model protein human IgG with a detection limit down to 3 pg mL(-1), which can be further extended to the detection of disease biomarkers.     

One pot synthesis of Ru(bpy)_3~(2+) doped graphene oxide-silica composite film for constructing high performance solid-state electrochemiluminescent sensor

The Ru(bpy)_3~(2+) doped graphene oxide-silica composite film(Ru/GO-SiCF) was synthesized by one pot hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate(TEOS) in the water-alcohol solution of graphene oxide and Ru(bpy)_3~(2+) at room temperature.The prepared Ru/GO-SiCF modified glassy carbon electrode(GCE) showed excellent electrochemiluminescence(ECL) behavior for the determination of tripropylamine(TPA) with high sensitivity and good stability.We expected this simple and novel material will find further application in construction of other targets sensors.     

Solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor based on the Nafion/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) composite film

An effective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on Nafion/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) composite film-modified ITO electrode was developed. The Nafion/PSS/Ru composite film was characterized by atomic force microscopy, UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and electrochemical experiments. The Nafion/PSS composite film could effectively immobilize tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) via ion-exchange and electrostatic interaction. The ECL behavior of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Nafion/PSS composite film was investigated using tripropylamine (TPA) as an analyte. The detection limit (S/N = 3) for TPA at the Nafion/PSS/Ru composite-modified electrode was estimated to be 3.0 nM, which is 3 orders of magnitude lower than that obtained at the Nafion/Ru modified electrode. The Nafion/PSS/Ru composite film-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode also exhibited good ECL stability. In addition, this kind of immobilization approach was simple, effective, and timesaving.     

A Novel Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence (ECL) Sensor Based on Ru(bpy)32+‐Doped Titania Nanoparticles Dispersed in Nafion on Glassy Carbon Electrode

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on Ru(bpy)₃²⁺‐doped titania (RuDT) nanoparticles dispersed in a perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed in this paper. The electroactive component‐Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was entrapped within the titania nanoparticles by the inverse microemulsion polymerization process that produced spherical sensors in the size region of 38±3 nm. The RuDT nanoparticles were characterized by electrochemical, transmission electron and scanning microscopy technology. The Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ encapsulation interior of the titania nanoparticles maintains its ECL efficiency and also reduces Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ leaching from the titania matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. This is the first attempt to prepare the RuDT nanoparticles and extend the application of electroactive component‐doped nanoparticles into the field of ECL. Since a large amount of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was immobilized three‐dimensionally on the electrode, the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ ECL signal could be enhanced greatly, which finally resulted in the increased sensitivity. The ECL analytical performance of this ECL sensor for tripropylamine (TPA) was investigated in detail. This sensor shows a detection limit of 1 nmol/L for TPA. Furthermore, the present ECL sensor displays outstanding long‐term stability.