Microheterogeneous systems of micelles and microemulsions as reaction media in chemiluminescent analysis

The development of new or enhanced analytical methodologies based on the use of microheterogeneous systems is a very active area of current research. The use of organized surfactant molecular assemblies, such as micelles, reversed micelles and microemulsions, in analytical solution chemiluminescence is steadily increasing because it can change luminescent characteristics and result in a greatly improved analytical performance, in terms of selectivity, sensitivity and experimental convenience. This review focuses on how micelles, reversed micelles and microemulsions may be used to improve the quality of chemiluminescent analytical procedures and gives some applications of these microheterogeneous chemiluminescent systems. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.