New paper in Chemical & Biochemical Imaging

Gamma correction and color space transformations for quantitative analysis of electrochemiluminescence images using smartphone cameras

Stephania Rodríguez Muiña, Rajendra Kumar Reddy Gajjala, Eduardo Fernández Martín, and Francisco Javier del Campo

Published in Chemical & Biochemical Imaging

Abstract

Quantitative imaging of luminescent signals, ranging from electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and chemiluminescence to colorimetric assays, is increasingly performed using consumer-grade digital cameras and smartphones. However, device-dependent variability, nonlinear signal encoding, and the absence of standardized workflows hinder reproducibility and quantification accuracy. This work presents a generalized methodology for robust signal quantification in luminescent systems using digital imaging, with ECL as a model case. By combining synchronized electrochemical control, manual optimization of imaging parameters, gamma correction, and color space transformations, accurate device-independent analysis is enabled. Using Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA as a test system, we evaluate RGB, CIEXYZ, and CIELAB color spaces, identifying optimal channels for sensitivity and dynamic range. Our performance assessment underscores the importance of transfer function selection and supports both linear and nonlinear quantification models. Results show that linearized r and X color channels offer broad dynamic ranges with moderate sensitivity, while encoded R and a* channels provide higher sensitivity at low concentrations, requiring nonlinear modeling to extend their quantification range. This scalable approach enables standardized, high-throughput optical analysis using low-cost camera platforms, with broad applications in diagnostics, biosensing, and analytical chemistry.

Read the full article

by ECLectic Project

News from the ECLectic Labs: What our Doctoral Candidates are working on

Over the past few months, the 10 Doctoral Candidates of the ECLectic Doctoral Network have taken us behind the scenes of their research activities across Europe. Through a dedicated social media campaign, each DC shared updates from the lab, showcasing the technologies, techniques, and innovations they are currently developing to advance electrochemiluminescence-based biosensing for early sepsis diagnosis.

Here’s what they’ve been up to:

🔹 DC1 – Claudia Martinez Assenjo (UNIBO)
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🔹 DC2 – Chiara Giustini (CIC biomaGUNE)
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🔹 DC3 – Nayla Naomi Kusimoto Takeuti (UMIL)
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🔹 DC4 – Elisa D’Arrigo(UBx)
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🔹 DC5 – Luigi Dragonetti (DCU)
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🔹 DC6 – Wissal El Majdoub (imec NL)
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🔹 DC7 – Ezequiel Rubiales Romero (UCM)
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🔹 DC8 – Stephania Rodríguez Muiña (BCMaterials)
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🔹 DC9 – Abdulkadir Yelwa Sadiq (UKLFR)
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🔹 DC10 – Tereza Jahodova (DBS)
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These lab snapshots give just a glimpse of the interlinked, interdisciplinary work being carried out in the ECLectic network – bridging chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering to tackle one of today’s biggest medical challenges: early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X for more behind-the-scenes content, and stay tuned for updates as our DCs continue their journey across academia, research labs, and industry.

by ECLectic Project

ECLectic Network Event 3 on Photochemistry and ECL @ Bologna (Italy)

From June 9 to 13, the Doctoral Candidates of the ECLectic project participated in the third Network Training Event, joining the 10th edition of the Ciamician Photochemistry School hosted by the Department of Chemistry of Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. Held in the Navile District, this week-long event offered a deep dive into the fundamentals and frontiers of photochemistry and electrochemiluminescence (ECL), with lectures by leading international experts and vibrant scientific discussions.

Throughout the week, the DCs also had the opportunity to meet in person, strengthening their network and sharing updates on their respective projects. The training was enriched by guided visits to the laboratories of Prof. Giovanni Valenti and other research groups across the Departments of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry at UniBo, offering valuable insights into the infrastructure and expertise supporting the ECLectic project.

Beyond the scientific program, the DCs also had the chance to explore the city of Bologna and discover the rich history of Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world. The visit offered an inspiring context to reflect on the tradition of academic excellence that continues to shape the future of European research.

In addition, the DCs dedicated time to reviewing the progress of their individual research activities, identifying key actions to support their peers and ensure the smooth advancement of the project as a whole. These discussions laid the groundwork for the upcoming Network Meeting 3, which will take place online on June 24. On that occasion, DCs and PIs will take a closer look at the status of each Work Package and align next steps for the overall project workflow.

Lastly, with the first secondments scheduled to begin after the summer, the event was also a chance to discuss the lab work and preparations needed before departure, ensuring a productive and coordinated secondment phase.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the journey of the ECLectic Doctoral Candidates across Europe and beyond.

The full workshop programme is available here: https://eventi.unibo.it/ciamician-photochemistry-school/program

Watch what happened during the event on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

by ECLectic Project

New paper in Chemical Communications

Overcoming kinetic barriers of remote electrochemiluminescence on boron-doped diamond via catalytic coreactant oxidation

Alessandro Fracassa, Chiara Mariani, Andrea Fiorani, Yasuaki Einaga, Conor F. Hogan, Francesco Paolucci, Neso Sojic, Paul S. Francis and Giovanni Valenti

Published in Chemical Communications

Abstract

The effectiveness of boron-doped diamond (BDD) as a platform for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) bead-based bioassays is hindered by the sluggish rate of heterogeneous tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) oxidation. To address this, we investigate the ECL of Ru(II)-coated microbeads in the presence of a redox mediator, exploring the effect of applied potential and electrode surface terminations. Using a redox mediator, the ECL signal on BDD is enhanced by up to 46-fold.

Read the full article

by ECLectic Project

Network Event 3 will be in Bologna, focusing on photochemistry and ECL

The third Network Training Event of the ECLectic Doctoral Network is just around the corner: from Monday, June 9th to Friday, June 13th, the Doctoral Candidates of the ECLectic International Doctoral Network will be attending the X edition of the Ciamician Photochemistry School, focusing on Photochemistry and ECL. The event will be hosted by the Department of Chemistry of Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, in the new Navile District.

The Ciamician Photochemistry School brings together leading experts in photochemistry, offering a week-long program of lectures and discussions covering fundamental principles and cutting-edge developments in the field. Topics will include excited states and photochemical reactivity, supramolecular photochemistry, artificial photosynthesis, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Particular attention will be given to Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), directly linking the program to the research and training goals of the ECLectic project.

In addition to the scientific content, the event provides a unique opportunity for ECLectic Doctoral Candidates to engage with an international community of researchers, meet their peers, broaden their scientific horizons, and strengthen their interdisciplinary training in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

You can follow all updates on our social networks!

X: https://x.com/ECLectic_MSCADN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclectic-msca-dn-83b529300/

by ECLectic Project