Battery operated preconcentration-assisted lateral flow assay

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) offer low-cost, portable diagnostics but suffer from low sensitivity and detection limits for biomolecules.
• Limitations hinder the real-world application of conventional lateral flow assays (LFAs) in field diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the sensitivity of paper-based lateral flow assays through a preconcentration technique.
• To develop a low-power, portable system for improved biomolecule detection.

Main Methods:

• A commercial β-hCG test was adapted for a paper-based preconcentration enhanced lateral flow assay.
• The device utilized a 9 V battery for operation with low power consumption (approx. 81 μW).
• A 25-fold preconcentration factor was achieved, significantly improving assay sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a clear sensitivity enhancement in the colorimetric lateral flow assay.
• Achieved observable color intensity in the test line, which was previously undetectable without preconcentration.
• Established a preconcentration factor of 25-fold using minimal power.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based preconcentration method effectively enhances the sensitivity of lateral flow assays.
• This low-power, portable diagnostic system improves biomolecule detection limits for real-field applications.
• The platform supports semi-quantitative analysis through color intensity measurements, compatible with smartphone diagnostics.