Toward Next Generation Lateral Flow Assays: Integration of Nanomaterials

Abstract

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are currently the most used point-of-care sensors for both diagnostic (e.g., pregnancy test, COVID-19 monitoring) and environmental (e.g., pesticides and bacterial monitoring) applications. Although the core of LFA technology was developed several decades ago, in recent years the integration of novel nanomaterials as signal transducers or receptor immobilization platforms has brought improved analytical capabilities. In this Review, we present how nanomaterial-based LFAs can address the inherent challenges of point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics such as sensitivity enhancement, lowering of detection limits, multiplexing, and quantification of analytes in complex samples. Specifically, we highlight the strategies that can synergistically solve the limitations of current LFAs and that have proven commercial feasibility. Finally, we discuss the barriers toward commercialization and the next generation of LFAs.

Toward Integrated Molecular Lateral Flow Diagnostic Tests Using Advanced Micro- and Nanotechnology

“…However, the number of targets to be multiplexed by this mechanism is limited by the length of the detection pad and/or the different labels available. Recent advances and novel strategies have been developed lately to address these challenges (e.g., microarrays, fluidic devices, or the use of different NPs in the same assay) …”

“…In the past decade, the inclusion of nanomaterials led to better performance with lower LOD and other benefits. − Nanomaterials (those of 100 nm size or smaller) have properties that diverge from those of the same materials at the macroscopic scale, presenting phenomena such as electromagnetic field enhancement, quantum confinement, and plasmonic resonance, which can be exploited for signal amplification . There are recent reviews devoted to nanomaterials and their promising applications in LF, which are too wide to be included in this review.…”

“…Recent advances and novel strategies have been developed lately to address these challenges (e.g., microarrays, fluidic devices, or the use of different NPs in the same assay). 52 Types of LF Tests According to the Bioreceptors Used. The bioreceptors are biological compounds used for the capture of the target and, in the case of LF tests, for its recognition by means of a sandwich format (Figure 2).…”

Lateral Flow Microimmunoassay (LFµIA) for the Reliable Quantification of Allergen Traces in Food Consumables

“…In recent years, some of the developed biosensing approaches for food-borne allergen detection have been designed to analyze multiple allergens, ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) being the most relevant ones [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The former has a high sensitivity to various peanut allergens [ 12 ].…”

Catalytic Gold-Iridium Nanoparticles as Labels for Sensitive Colorimetric Lateral Flow Assay

“…Over the past several decades, a variety of point-of-care testing technologies have been developed. Examples include lateral flow assays, , microfluidic-based assays, − pressure sensors, − (photo)­electrochemical biosensors, − and many others. Among them, colorimetric lateral flow assay (CLFA) is broadly recognized as an accessible point-of-care technology because it can be used outside the laboratory, operated by a nonskilled person, and determined simply by the naked eyes without the need of any equipment. , While CLFAs are widely used for diagnostics, − their detection sensitivity has not been significantly improved recently, inhibiting many critical biomedical applications.…”