Toward Next-Generation Mobile Diagnostics: Near-Field Communication-Powered Electrochemiluminescent Detection

Abstract

Mobile phones have been used in combination with point of care (PoC) devices for over a decade now. However, their use seems restricted to the detection of sensing events using the video and camera functions. In contrast, the complementary ability to use mobile phones to power such PoC devices has been largely unexplored. This work demonstrates the proof-of-principle that a smartphone can be used to both power and analyze an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection system. A printed device is presented featuring an electrochemical cell connected in series to a rectenna that is able to use the Near Field Communication (NFC, 13.56 MHz) signal to provide the energy needed to generate ECL from Ru­(bpy)3 2+/tri-n-propylamine. The emitted light, the intensity of which is directly proportional to the concentration of the ruthenium complex, can then be captured by the mobile phone camera and analyzed. This work presents the fabrication and the electrical and electrochemical characterization of the device. Effective voltages ranging from 0.90 to 4.50 V have been recorded, depending on the coupling between emitter and receiver, which translate into working electrode potentials ranging from 0.76 up to 1.79 V vs Ag. Detection and quantification limits of 0.64 and 1.52 μM, respectively, have been achieved for Ru­(bpy)3 2+, and linear ranges up to 0.1 mM (red channel) and no less than 1.0 mM (green channel) have been found.

Off‐Grid Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence with Customized p‐i‐n Photodiodes

“…The reported examples of wireless ECL [ 21–23 ] (and PECL) [ 24 ] still require the use of electrical power sources. [ 25–27 ]…”

“…The reported examples of wireless ECL [21][22][23] (and PECL) [24] still require the use of electrical power sources. [25][26][27] Latest research on PECL resulted in the concept of all-optical ECL (AO-ECL), [28] in which ECL is generated by a semiconductor device interfaced with electrocatalysts immersed in the appropriate electrolyte. AO-ECL can be easily activated remotely and does not require an electrical power source and electrical connections, it thus constitutes the simplest ECL configuration existing.…”

Wireless rotating bipolar electrochemiluminescence for enzymatic detection

“…30,31 Imaging the motion of BP-ECL systems can be easily achieved with commercial cameras or smartphones due to the high intensity of the emitted light and negligible background light interference for rapid, portable, and user-friendly detection. [32][33][34][35] For instance, a BP-ECL array aptasensor was fabricated for detecting aflatoxin M1 concentrations using a smartphone as a photodetector. 36 In addition to static BEs, the motion of the electrode can also be monitored with a digital camera.…”

Facilitating Electrochemical Lateral Flow Assay using NFC-Enabled Potentiostat and Nitrocellulose-based Metal Electrodes

“…NFC allows exchange of electrical power large enough (10 mW) to operate low-power and low-cost electronics (including microcontrollers and sensors). [20][21][22][23][24] The elimination of batteries reduce cost, complexity and increase mobility since charging is no longer required.…”