Electrochemiluminescence Detection in Paper-Based and Other Inexpensive Microfluidic Devices

There is a need in the field of microfluidics for integration of analytical detection methods onto small fluidic chips. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is an effective method for detecting a wide range of analytes, including small molecules, metal ions and bacteria. This Minireview discusses recent applications of ECL-based detection methods to inexpensive microfluidic devices. We discuss various paper and cloth based devices, including 3D-origami devices and devices utilizing bipolar electrodes. We also discuss novel devices that have replaced traditional instrumentation with inexpensive and portable equipment, such as mobile phones.