Luminol Electrochemiluminescence Using Chlorine Bubble Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and analyzing specific molecules using luminol and derivatives are inefficient and lack sensitivity, particularly in the detection of specific molecules such as Ru(bpy) 3 2+< (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl)/ tripropylamine, and that of luminol / hydrogen peroxide. The most common methods are inefficient and lack sensitivity, particularly in the detection of specific molecules such as Ru(bpy) 3 2+< (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl)/ tripropylamine, and that of luminol / hydrogen peroxide. The most common methods are inefficient and lack sensitivity, particularly in the detection of specific molecules such as Ru(bpy) 3 2+< (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl)/ tripropylamine, and that of luminol / hydrogen peroxide. The most common methods are inefficient and lack sensitivity, particularly in the detection of specific molecules such as Ru(bpy) 3 2+< (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl)/ tripropylamine, and that of luminol / hydrogen peroxide.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating electrochemiluminescence (ECL) by placing an aqueous liquid sample on an electrode system containing luminol or its derivative, hydrogen peroxide, and chloride ions, and applying a potential to generate chlorine gas bubbles that transform into hypochlorite, enhancing ECL emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a potential is applied to generate gas bubbles during electrochemiluminescence, then the ECL emission intensity is enhanced, but gaseous oxygen bubbles negatively affect signal stability and measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECL emission intensityVSAvoidsignal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of gas bubbles (which typically reduce signal stability) into a beneficial effect by using chlorine gas bubbles as a vehicle to deliver hypochlorite to the luminol reaction site. The bubble formation process, which normally disrupts measurements, is instead utilized to enhance ECL emission intensity while maintaining signal stability through controlled chlorine evolution and hypochlorite generation at the electrode surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If conventional electrochemiluminescence methods are used for analyte detection, then the detection can be performed with standard equipment, but the sensitivity and detection efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ECL system by introducing chloride ions and applying potentials that generate chlorine gas. This parameter change transforms the conventional ECL reaction into a more sensitive detection system where hypochlorite generated from chlorine bubbles enhances the luminol oxidation, thereby improving both detection sensitivity and efficiency without requiring complex additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method provides enhanced and stable ECL emission, allowing for improved detection and quantification of analytes, including biosensing applications, with the emission observable up to 5 mm away from the electrode surface.

Implementation Method 1

applying a potential at which at least one gas bubble is generated covering the working electrode, wholly or in part, the gas bubble comprising chlorine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the chlorine in contact with the water of the liquid sample is transformed into hypochlorite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical transformation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

which oxidizes the luminol or the derivative of luminol giving rise to an electrochemiluminescence emission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

giving rise to an electrochemiluminescence emission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemiluminescence: Electrochemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4667912A1Electrochemiluminiscence generation method
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 FUNDACION BCMATERIALS BASQUE CENT FOR MATERIALS APPL & NANOSTRUCTURES
  • EP4667912A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4667912A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP4667912A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Electrochemiluminiscence generation method comprising the step of placing an aqueous liquid sample on an electrode system comprising at least one working electrode, one auxiliary electrode and optionally one reference electrode, the liquid sample comprising water, hydrogen peroxide, chloride ions, and a luminol or a derivative of luminol as an electrochemiluminiscent substance, and applying a potential at which at least one gas bubble is generated covering at least the working electrode, the gas bubble comprising chlorine, wherein the chlorine in contact with the water is transformed into hypochlorite, which oxidizes the luminol or the derivative of luminol giving rise to an electrochemiluminescence emission. Method for the detection or quantification of at least one analyte applying the electrochemiluminescence generation method.