This work exploits the high-affinity of recombinant antibodies and low background electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for cardiac-biomarker detection. The developed assay is capable of fg mL⁻¹ detection limits as well as the detection of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) over a clinically relevant range. The assay demonstrated robust reproducibility, selectivity and stability while also highlighting a novel platform for detection of cardiac biomarkers at low concentrations.

The electrochemiluminescent (ECL) properties of a luminescent metal centre, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, can be significantly modulated through its electronic interaction with neighbouring centres and the polymer backbone used to confine it on an electrode surface. From the perspective of ECL based sensing devices, an increase in the ECL efficiency of a metallopolymer film can result in enhanced sensor sensitivity and selectivity. This work probes the ECL properties of both conjugated, [Ru(bpy)₂(PPyBBIM)₁₀]²⁺, and non-conjugated, [Ru(bpy)₂(PVP)₁₀]²⁺, ruthenium based metallopolymer films based on a well documented reaction with sodium oxalate, where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridyl, PPYBBIM is poly[2-(2-pyridyl)-bibenzimidazole] and PVP is poly(4-vinylpyridine). Through a combination of ground state electrochemical studies and ECL measurements, the ECL efficiency for each film is determined. This study reveals that despite a dramatic influence in charge transfer rates between metal centres, as observed for the conducting polymer, mediated through the conducting polymer backbone, a corresponding increase in ECL efficiency is not always observed. The degree of communication between the adjacent excited state metal centres are an important consideration for ECL enhancement however self quenching, luminophore distribution and film porosity must also be considered.

In this work, lignin was spray dried with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in order to improve the compaction properties of lignin. Bulk level and physicochemical properties of spray dried formulations were measured and compared to as-received lignin and lactose which was used as a reference excipient. Single component tablets from individual powders were prepared and the mechanical properties of these powders were investigated by analysing force-displacement curves recorded during tableting, using a series of compaction equations. Moreover, the performance of these excipients in binary blends containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was investigated. A positive effect of SLS on the mechanical properties and bulk level properties of the spray dried formulations was observed. Spray dried formulations containing SLS showed superior flow properties to pure spray dried lignin while retaining similar particle size distributions. Spray dried formulations containing up to 10 w/w% SLS also showed superior compactibility in binary blends to as-received materials at porosity levels relevant for immediate release tablets. This study highlights the importance of understanding the compaction mechanics of single component powders as a means of predicting their behaviour in multi-component blends.