Lectin-based lateral flow assay: proof-of-concept

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are widely used for rapid analyte detection, typically employing antibody or nucleic acid recognition.
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa), but its glycosylation status offers greater specificity for disease progression.
• Current lectin-based assays can be complex; a simpler, rapid alternative is needed for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel lectin-based lateral flow assay (LFA) for determining the glycosylation of free prostate specific antigen (fPSA).
• To utilize lectins as biorecognition elements in an LFA for enhanced specificity in prostate cancer biomarker detection.

Main Methods:

• Developed a lectin-based LFA using Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin to detect α-2,6 sialic acid on fPSA.
• Employed Maackia amurensis lectin II (MAA II) as a negative control, which binds α-2,3 sialic acid.
• The assay involves applying a sample to a strip, with results available within 10 minutes using commercial components.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected α-2,6 sialic acid on fPSA using the SNA lectin-based LFA.
• Demonstrated the specificity of the assay by using MAA II as a negative control.
• The developed LFA provides rapid (within 10 minutes) and simple detection of fPSA glycosylation.

Conclusions:

• A novel lectin-based LFA has been successfully developed for the specific detection of fPSA glycosylation.
• This approach offers a rapid, simple, and effective alternative to existing lectin-based assays for clinical diagnosis.
• The methodology holds potential for application to a wide range of other clinically significant biomarkers.