12th International Symposium on Bioluminescence & Chemiluminescence

Symposium abstracts:

Enhanced light emission from reactions using external energy triggers. (Sensor technology development)

Hepher, Michael J.¹, Meikle, Les², Boyd, Sharron¹, Davidson, Jan¹, Sommerville, James¹

1. School of the Built and Natural Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, City Campus, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G4 OBA.
E-mail: mjhe@gcal.ac.uk
2. Wise Property Care, 8 Muriel Street, Barrhead, Glasgow, Scotland, G78 1QB.

The replacement of conventional metal salt catalysts by electro and sono energy triggers in the model hydrogen peroxide/luminol reaction (pH 11.5) is discussed. Cobalt II (the cobalt chloride catalyst) is replaced by a platinum or gold electrode pair, forming an electrochemical cell, and the optimum design and operating conditions outlined eg reaction cell geometry, electrode design, electrode potential. The introduction of sono energy into the reaction cell at selected frequencies and powers is also discussed. Data is presented on the enhanced light signals obtained from the reaction; this is related to quantum yield and finally to improved limit of detection for hydrogen peroxide. Sensor design and technology arising from the research is presented. Applications within conventional luminescent instruments are discussed. Specific examples of the use of enhanced chemiluminescence in the detection of fungi and moulds are discussed e.g. Serpula lacrymans and Botrytis cinerea.

This is a preprint of an article accepted for publication in Luminescence: Copyright 2001 John
Wiley & Sons, Ltd (Wiley website)