Optimization of flow path parameters for enhanced sensitivity lateral flow devices.

Lateral flow devices (LFDs) or lateral flow tests (LFTs) are one of the most widely used biosensor platforms for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. The basic LFD design has remained largely unchanged since its first appearance, and this has limited LFD use in clinical applications due to a general lack of analytical sensitivity. We report here a comprehensive study of the use of laser-patterned geometric control barriers that influence the flow dynamics within an LFD, with the specific aim of enhancing LFD sensitivity and lowering the limit of detection (LOD).

Semi-quantitative detection of inflammatory biomarkers using a laser-patterned multiplexed lateral flow device.

Inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) have been shown to be useful biomarkers to improve triage speed and prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics for infections such as pneumonia. Here, we present a novel and exciting solution to guide the administration of antibiotic treatment via rapid, semi-quantitative and multiplexed detection of CRP and PCT using an advanced lateral flow device (LFD) designed to have multiple parallel flow-paths, produced via the precise laser-based partitioning of the single flow-path of a standard LFD. Each flow-path within this multiplexed LFD has a unique detection capability which permits tailored detection of CRP within a predefined cut-off range (20 μg/mL - 100 μg/mL) and PCT above a pre-defined threshold (0.