Paper-based cationic isotachophoresis for lateral flow immunoassay development

Unmet Need: Improving sensitivity and specificity in Lateral Flow Immunoassays at low concentrations

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) are among the most popular diagnostic platforms on the market due to ease of use and capacity for antigen detection in diverse biological samples. However, they are often critiqued for their relatively high limits of detection, which can make them inadequate for clinical decision-making in early infection or for certain low-concentration biomarkers. Inventors aim to develop inexpensive, and portable systems for diseases diagnostics at point-of care (POC) settings that can compete with skilled quantitative assays such as PCR.

The Technology: Modified isotachophoresis technique improves sensitivity in lateral flow immunoassays

Researchers demonstrated improved limits of detection for paper-based lateral flow immunoassays through novel modifications to the colorimetric detection antibodies. This modification, combined with the inherent sharpening effect of isotachophoresis, brings detection limits more in line with established clinical diagnostic techniques. When applied to lateral flow assays, this invention will provide the increased analytical sensitivity needed to extend LFIA use to a variety of low-concentration biomarkers and improve POC diagnostic capacity.

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