ABSTRACT
The application of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) to the detection of biologically important analytes has seen substantial success, as measured by the widespread use of the technology in basic research, in environmental and industrial testing, and in clinical laboratory analyzers. Initial interest in the technique was spurred by the ability of ECL measurements to detect analytes in extremely low concentrations, though other favorable attributes such as insensitivity to matrix effects and a high dynamic range have contributed to ECL’s acceptance as a robust detection methodology. The flexibility of the technique permits the probing of nearly any type of molecular interaction. ECL-based assays have been developed to detect proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules and to probe ligand-receptor interactions and enzyme activity. The commercial availability of ECL reagents and instruments has also played a large part in fueling interest in the technique. Relatively inexpensive commercial instrumentation and ECL labels with linker groups that are easily attached to biomolecules have allowed researchers to quickly and easily develop numerous assay formats for a variety of applications. Fields that currently use ECL in the detection of biological analytes include clinical diagnostics, food and water testing, biowarfare agent detection, and basic research within both academia and industry.
