Use of a mobile phone for potentiostatic control with low cost paper-based microfluidic sensors

•The ability to generate ECL emission using the audio output of a mobile phone is demonstrated.•Electrochemical control can be achieved by controlling the amplitude and waveform of the sound.•A mobile phone “app” synchronises the electrochemical stimulation with detection via the camera.•In combination with paper-based microfluidic sensors, extremely low cost analysis is possible.•Detection of proline at levels suitable for diagnosis of hyperprolinemia is demonstrated. By exploiting its ability to play sounds, a mobile phone with suitable software installed can serve the basic functions of a potentiostat in controlling an applied potential to oxidise ECL-active molecules, while the resultant photonic signal is monitored using the camera in video mode. In combination with paper microfluidic sensors this opens significant new possibilities for low-cost, instrument-free sensing.