Iridium Complexes for Electrochemiluminescence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochemiluminescence-based in vitro diagnostic assays lack sensitivity, and there is a need for more effective luminescent labels that can function in aqueous media for biological sample analysis.

Innovation Solution

Development of iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, specifically compounds of Formula I, which are used as labels in electrochemiluminescence-based detection methods, and their conjugates with affinity binding agents for enhanced sensitivity in aqueous solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If water-soluble ruthenium complexes are used for ECL-based detection, then the detection can be performed in aqueous medium, but the sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the metal center from ruthenium to iridium and modifies the ligand structure to achieve both high sensitivity and aqueous compatibility. The iridium complex with specific ligands (including hydrophilic groups) provides enhanced luminescence intensity and stability in aqueous media, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite iridium complex system combining the metal center with specific organic ligands that have hydrophilic characteristics. This composite structure enables the complex to function effectively in aqueous environments while maintaining high detection sensitivity, overcoming the limitations of simple ruthenium complexes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If organic iridium complexes are used for OLED applications, then high luminescence efficiency is achieved, but they cannot function in aqueous media

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoidaqueous medium compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces hydrophilic groups at specific positions of the iridium complex structure to provide aqueous compatibility without compromising the core luminescent properties. The local modification of adding hydrophilic substituents allows the complex to function in both organic and aqueous environments, maintaining high luminescence efficiency while gaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal iridium complex design that can operate in multiple environments (organic and aqueous). The complex with hydrophilic ligands serves dual purposes: maintaining the high luminescence efficiency needed for detection while achieving aqueous solubility for biological sample analysis, thus providing multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional ECL labels are used, then the detection system is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient for high-performance diagnostics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ruthenium complexes as a template or copy to design the iridium complex system. By adapting the successful ruthenium ECL platform to iridium-based chemistry with modified ligands, the invention achieves higher sensitivity while maintaining a relatively simple detection system architecture, avoiding the need for completely new detection methodologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 and their conjugates provide high sensitivity and efficiency in electrochemiluminescence reactions in aqueous solutions, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by enabling effective detection in biological samples.

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.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemiluminescence: Electrochemiluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The present invention relates to novel iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2880042B1New iridium-based complexes for ecl
Publication Date: 2017.02.01 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG

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.