The paramount importance of chemiluminescence technology—a mainstream technique in immunodiagnostics—in the field of In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) is self-evident. However, in the current highly competitive environment, technological innovation remains the core competitiveness of enterprises. Breaking through the traditional barriers of chemiluminescence and forging new paths is the inevitable choice for sustainable development.

1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous

1-1 Homogeneous Chemiluminescence

Homogeneous chemiluminescence technology refers to a detection system where all the substances participating in the luminescent reaction are in the same phase (usually liquid phase), allowing for detection without the need for physical separation steps.Its characteristics are as follows:

01 No magnetic beads required: Traditional chemiluminescence techniques often require magnetic beads for separation, while homogeneous chemiluminescence technology completely eliminates this step. This not only reduces detection costs but also decreases the complexity of the operation process.

02 Simple instrumentation, maintenance-free: The instruments used in homogeneous chemiluminescence technology are relatively simple, requiring no complex maintenance or calibration. This leads to more stable equipment operation, reduced failure rates, and easier handling for operators.

03 Lyophilization of reagents possible: Reagents used in homogeneous chemiluminescence technology can be lyophilized, making them easier to transport and store. This advantage is particularly evident in complex transportation conditions, such as overseas shipping.

04 Rapid detection: By simplifying the detection process, homogeneous chemiluminescence technology enables rapid testing, which is particularly important for applications requiring quick results.

05 High sensitivity: Homogeneous chemiluminescence technology can detect extremely low concentrations of substances, with detection limits reaching picomolar levels.

1-2 Heterogeneous Chemiluminescence

In this reaction system, the substances participating in the luminescent reaction are not in the same phase. Typically, the reactants need to be immobilized on a solid-phase carrier (such as a microplate), by separation steps before luminescence detection.Its characteristics are as follows:

01 Multiple steps in the analysis process

02 Large and complex instrumentation

03 Complicated modules

04 High failure rate

05 Time-consuming detection

06 Complex operation

07 High cost

08 In most cases, requires professional technicians to operate specialized equipment

In conclusion, homogeneous chemiluminescence, by eliminating separation and washing steps, is more suitable for the detection of small molecules. Traditional competitive assays for small molecules require repeated washing steps, which not only increase the complexity and time of operation but may also lead to the loss of target molecules in the sample during the washing process. This is particularly problematic when sample volumes are limited, potentially affecting the sensitivity of detection and the accuracy of results.

2. Challenges and Opportunities

Although homogeneous chemiluminescence technology started relatively late, its development can be traced back to the early 1990s. This technology was initially discovered by American scientist Professor Ullman and further developed by Delphi Chemicals in the United States. The LOCI (Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Immunoassay) diagnostic technology, with its unique energy transfer mechanism and chemiluminescence principle, has achieved homogeneous, wash-free, rapid, high-sensitivity, and high-throughput detection. This technology has a wide range of applications, including basic medical research, DNA molecular detection, food safety, and new drug development.

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