Research Projects

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a unique tool that combines electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques, offering high sensitivity, low background noise, good temporal and spatial control, and simplified optical setup. ECL imaging is a new type of dynamic microscopy that offers high-throughput bioanalysis and visualization of molecule distribution at single cells. Unlike optical microscopy, ECL minimizes background signals and improves spatial resolution. The main objectives of this proposal are to develop chemically synthesised potentially-resolved self-enhanced multicolour ECL luminophores with multiple bioconjugate sites. The proposal integrates an organometallic-based complex with semiconducting quantum dots, with covalently linked co-reactants into single molecules, as a solid-state multiplexed ECL platform. This platform is promising for high-spatio-temporal resolution of ECL microscopy/imaging. The proposed proof-of-concept uses biothiols (GSH, Cys, and Hcy) as model biomarkers to correlate their role in intra/extra cellular redox behavior. Biothiols play a crucial role in human health, influencing oxidative stress and triggering chronic diseases like cancer, aging, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. In situ assay of biothiols in in vitro and ex-vivo is highly beneficial for modern healthcare applications. The outcome of this work is expected to provide a translational assay protocol for alternative clinical diagnosis and drug-screening assays.