Recent advances in microfluidic paper-based electrochemiluminescence analytical devices for point-of-care testing applications

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is an effective method for detecting a wide range of analytes including metal ions, virulent DNA, pathogenic bacteria, tumor cells and glucose. The attractive features of paper including passive liquid transport and biocompatibility are the main two advantages of using paper as a biosensing platform. To achieve key factors in paper-based sensors, the fabrication procedures and the analysis methods are fine tuned to satisfy the requirements of the ultimate-users. Here, we review various ECL signal amplification labels, inexpensive and portable devices, such as rechargeable batteries, which have replaced traditional instrumentation and different light detection technologies used in paper ECL devices. We also highlight the current trends and developments in ECL paper-based microfluidic analytical devices, as well as recent applications of ECL-based detection methods and inexpensive microfluidic devices. We discuss various paper-based devices, including 3D-origami devices, and devices utilizing self-powered and bipolar electrodes. Significant efforts have also been dedicated towards paper based multiplexing analysis (multi-label, and the multi-analyte strategies) and integration of microfluidic lab-on-paper devices with competences for point-to-care diagnostics. This review finally tabulates systematized data on figures of merit and novel types of ECL labels, used for detection of various biomarkers and analytes.