Electrochemiluminescent (ECL) biosensors
This research area focuses on the fabrication and characterization of nanostructured materials for advanced electrochemical (EC) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) biosensors. These sensors are designed for the detection and quantification of biomolecules and other relevant compounds in health, environmental, and biochemical applications. The research aims to develop innovative electrode materials with well-defined morphology and tailored physicochemical properties to enhance sensing performance and enable the development of Point-of-Care platforms. A major focus of the research activity is the investigation of ECL mechanisms underlying the generation of excited states, using both standard analytical devices and various molecular and micro/nanostructured components.
Experimental activities include a combination of fabrication and characterization of these biosensors. To these aims the following techniques are employed:
- Top down micro- and nanofabrication techniques (e.g., nanoimprinting, thin-film deposition, lithography) for developing structured electrode materials.
- Electrochemical techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) for studying redox processes and sensor performance.
- Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging and spectroscopy for investigating ECL mechanisms and enhancing detection sensitivity.
- Optical techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy) for complementary sensing and imaging applications.
Unit coordinator: Dott. Alessandra Zanut