Iridium III Complexes for Electrochemiluminescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemiluminescence-based detection methods, particularly for in vitro diagnostic assays, lack sensitivity and are limited by the use of water-soluble ruthenium complexes, which are not effective in aqueous biological samples.
Innovation Solution
Development of iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, specifically designed as labels for electrochemiluminescence reactions, which are conjugated with affinity binding agents and used in aqueous solutions for enhanced sensitivity and efficiency in detecting analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-soluble ruthenium complexes are used for ECL-based detection, then the method can be applied in aqueous biological samples, but the sensitivity and detection efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the luminescent label from ruthenium(II) to iridium(III), which fundamentally alters the electrochemical and luminescent properties. Iridium(III) complexes exhibit higher electrochemiluminescence quantum yields and better stability in aqueous media, directly resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and aqueous compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures by conjugating iridium(III) complexes with affinity binding agents (such as antibodies, aptamers, or other recognition molecules). This composite approach combines the high sensitivity and stability of Ir(III) luminescent centers with the specific recognition capabilities of binding agents, achieving both high detection sensitivity and effective application in complex aqueous biological samples
2Illumination intensity
If organic light emitting compounds are used, then they show good luminescence in organic fluids, but their utility in aqueous medium for biological detection cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical nature of the luminescent compound from organic to inorganic (iridium-based coordination complex). This parameter change enables the material to maintain high luminescence intensity while being inherently compatible with aqueous environments, as Ir(III) complexes have proven stability and solubility characteristics in water that organic compounds lack
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrophilic ligands and conjugation strategies as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the iridium complex core and the aqueous environment. These intermediaries enable the Ir(III) complexes to maintain their luminescent properties while achieving excellent solubility and stability in biological buffer solutions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The iridium-based chemiluminescent compounds provide high sensitivity and efficiency in electrochemiluminescence-based detection methods, enabling effective analyte detection in aqueous biological samples, surpassing the limitations of existing ruthenium complex-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (also called electrochemiluminescence and abbreviated ECL) is the process whereby species generated at electrodes undergo high-energy electron-transfer reactions to form excited states that emit light
Implementation Method 2
species generated at electrodes undergo high-energy electron-transfer reactions to form excited states that emit light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, conjugates comprising these complexes as a label and their application, e.g. in the electrochemiluminescence based detection of an analyte.