Recent advances in electrochemiluminescence imaging analysis based on nanomaterials and micro-/nanostructures

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a kind of luminescent phenomenon caused by electrochemical reactions. Based on the advantages of ECL including low background, high sensitivity, strong spatiotemporal controllability and simple operation, ECL imaging is able to visualize the ECL process, which can additionally achieve high throughput, fast and visual analysis. With the development of optical imaging technique, ECL imaging at micro- or nanoscale has been successfully applied in immunoassay, cell imaging, biochemical analysis, single-nanoparticle detection and study of mechanisms and kinetics of reactions, which has attracted extensive attention. In this review, the basic principles and apparatus of ECL imaging were briefly introduced at first. Then several latest and representative applications of ECL imaging based on nanomaterials and micro-/nanostructures were overviewed. Finally, the superiorities and challenges in ECL imaging for further development were discussed.