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Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters with unique molecule‐like electronic structures, high abundance, and low cost. However, the synthesis of CuNCs with high ECL efficiency and stability in a scalable manner remains challenging. Here, we report a facile gram‐scale approach for preparing self‐assembled CuNCs (CuNCsAssy) induced by ligands with exceptionally boosted anodic ECL and stability. Compared to the disordered aggregates that are inactive in ECL, the CuNCsAssy shows a record anodic ECL efficiency for CuNCs (10 %, wavelength‐corrected, relative to Ru(bpy)3Cl2/tripropylamine). Mechanism studies revealed the unusual dual functions of ligands in simultaneously facilitating electrochemical excitation and radiative transition. Moreover, the assembly addressed the limitation of poor stability of conventional CuNCs. As a proof of concept, an ECL biosensor for alkaline phosphatase detection was successfully constructed with an ultralow limit of detection of 8.1×10−6 U/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroluminescence (ECL) has been used in extensive applications ranging from bioanalysis to clinical diagnosis owing to its simple device requirement, low background, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. Nucleic acid is a significant theme in ECL bioanalysis. The inherent versatile selective molecular recognition of nucleic acids and their programmable self-assembly make it desirable for the robust construction of nanostructures. Benefiting from their unique structures and physiochemical properties, ECL biosensing based on nucleic acids has experienced rapid growth. This review focuses on recent applications of nucleic acids in ECL sensing systems, particularly concerning the employment of nucleic acids as molecular recognition elements, signal amplification units, and sensing interface schemes. In the end, an outlook of nucleic acid-based ECL biosensing will be provided for future developments and directions. We envision that nucleic acids, which act as an essential component for both bioanalysis and clinical diagnosis, will provide a new thinking model and driving force for developing next-generation sensing systems. • The unique properties of nucleic acids provide high sensitivity, selectivity, and new mechanisms for ECL bioanalysis. • Nucleic acids could also be employed as signal amplification units and sensing interface schemes in biosensing. • Diversified applications and an outlook for future developments of nucleic acids in ECL biosensing is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has emerged as a promising analytical technique that combines the distinct advantages of both electrochemistry and chemiluminescence. In recent years, nanomaterials have been extensively developed as a new generation of emitters, coreactants, coreaction accelerators, and nanoreactors in ECL reactions due to their tunable structures, and excellent optical and electrical properties. High-sensitivity nanomaterial-based ECL biosensing systems are in high demand for practical applications in trace marker detection. This review summarizes recent advances in signal enhancement for nanomaterial-based ECL biosensing systems in the past five years. These advances include the development of high-performance ECL emitters, the promotion of charge transfer between the emitter and coreactant, the improvement of the interfacial conductivity of the electrode materials, and the utilization of nanomaterial-based signal amplification techniques. The challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed for the development and application of nanomaterial-based ECL biosensing systems. • Recent advances in signal enhancement of nanomaterials-based ECL systems are reviewed. • Diverse strategies for enhancing nanomaterials-based ECL signals are summarized. • Detailed signal enhancement mechanisms and biosensing applications are discussed. • Perspectives for the signal enhancement of nanomaterial-based ECL are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]