Electrochemiluminescent chemodosimeter based on iridium(III) complex for point-of-care detection of homocysteine levels

Abstract

Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although a routine, rapid, and simple determination of Hcy levels is highly desired, the existing methods are practically limited because of complicated sample preparation and bulky instrumentation. Herein, we report a chemodosimetric approach for one-step analysis of Hcy levels based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL). A rationally designed cyclometalated iridium(III) complex possessing a phenylisoquinoline main ligand underwent a selective ring-formation reaction with Hcy to generate a binding adduct, which enabled producing highly luminescent excited states, and yielded strong ECL signals on the surface of electrode without any use of enzymes or antibodies. The level of Hcy was successfully monitored by the ECL increment with a linear correlation between 0 and 40µM in 99.9% aqueous media. The approach required neither sample preparation nor bulky instrument, suggesting the point-of-care testing of Hcy levels, and is potentially useful for routine, cost-effective, and precautionary diagnosis of various cardiovascular diseases.