Iridium-Based ECL Labels for Aqueous Diagnostic Sensitivity

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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, with a need for more effective labels in aqueous media for biological sample analysis.

Innovation Solution

Development of iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, specifically designed as chemiluminescent compounds and conjugates with affinity binding agents, for use in electrochemiluminescence-based detection systems, enabling high sensitivity in aqueous solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water-soluble ruthenium complexes are used for ECL-based detection, then the detection can be performed in aqueous media, but the sensitivity is insufficient for high-sensitive in vitro diagnostic assays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsuitability for aqueous media
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the luminescent label from ruthenium-based to iridium-based complexes. This parameter change enables the label to function effectively in aqueous media while achieving the required high detection sensitivity for in vitro diagnostic assays, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and aqueous media suitability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures by conjugating iridium complexes with phenanthridine ligands and various functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amino groups). This composite material approach creates water-soluble iridium complexes that maintain high luminescence efficiency in aqueous environments while achieving the necessary detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If organic light emitting device compounds are used, then high luminescence efficiency can be achieved in solid materials or organic fluids, but their utility in aqueous medium cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoidutility in aqueous medium
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition parameter from organic OLED compounds to inorganic iridium-based complexes. This parameter change enables the material to achieve high luminescence efficiency while being compatible with aqueous media, thus resolving the uncertainty about utility in biological sample analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hydrophilic functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amino groups) at specific positions on the ligand structure. This local quality modification makes the otherwise hydrophobic iridium complex water-soluble while preserving the high luminescence efficiency of the core complex, enabling dual functionality in aqueous environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhance the sensitivity of electrochemiluminescence-based detection methods, allowing for effective analyte measurement in aqueous solutions, surpassing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a more efficient label for in vitro diagnostic assays.

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 discloses an iridium-based chemiluminescent compound of Formula I

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemiluminescence: Chemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2882823B1New iridium-based complexes for ecl
Publication Date: 2017.02.22 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH

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.