There is a high demand and positive impact in using biosensors within the healthcare system. Biosensors are capable to assist a user with point-of-care diagnostics. The purpose of this research is to provide a portable, user-friendly alternative to commercialized ECL instrumentation using cellphones, cameras and wireless connection. Our overall approach is to incorporate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor technology into a handheld device that is supplemented by a mobile device and much more feasible for users.

The ECL reaction emits visible light which is captured with the mobile device camera, or by a camera within the sensor casing. A microfluidics channel is also incorporated for a user-friendly alternative. Analysis of the image is then executed via a mobile application. A photomultiplier tube is used to configure the mobile application; associating a given intensity with the concentration of the desired substance within the ECL reaction. The configuration process involves determining the optimal concentrations of coreactants, tris(2,2’-bipyridyl) ruthenium II (Ru(bpy)32+) and 2-(dibutylamino)-ethanol (DBAE), determining the voltage that provides the best ECL signal, and incorporating a solution-flow system.