Nanoparticle‐Based Bioaffinity Assays: From the Research Laboratory to the Market

Abstract

Advances in the development of new biorecognition elements, nanoparticle‐based labels as well as instrumentation have inspired the design of new bioaffinity assays. This review critically discusses the potential of nanoparticles to replace current enzymatic or molecular labels in immunoassays and other bioaffinity assays. Successful implementations of nanoparticles in commercial assays and the need for rapid tests incorporating nanoparticles in different roles such as capture support, signal generation elements, and signal amplification systems are highlighted. The limited number of nanoparticles applied in current commercial assays can be explained by challenges associated with the analysis of real samples (e.g., blood, urine, or nasal swabs) that are difficult to resolve, particularly if the same performance can be achieved more easily by conventional labels. Lateral flow assays that are based on the visual detection of the red‐colored line formed by colloidal gold are a notable exception, exemplified by SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid antigen tests that have moved from initial laboratory testing to widespread market adaption in less than two years.

A nanoparticle-assisted signal-enhancement technique for lateral flow immunoassays

“…8 The global market revenue for LFIAs is projected to increase from $20.5 billion in 2022 to an estimated $22.6 billion by 2027. 9 The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the widespread applicability and effectiveness of LFIA testing for clinical and public health purposes. 10 However, the significant occurrence of false negatives has spurred the need for new generation LFIA technologies with a lower limit of detection (LoD).…”

Special Issue “Immunoanalytical and Bioinformatics Methods in Immunology Research”

“…Despite the abundance of techniques already on the market, there is a constant search for opportunities to improve the analytical parameters of existing techniques. For instance, the incorporation of nanomaterials into immunosensors and other immunoanalytical techniques is driving progress by enabling more sensitive, rapid, and even multiplexed detection of analytes [6,7]. The modification of the immunosensor surface by nanostructures and their application as a label are possible strategies for fabricating an immunoanalytical system [8].…”