Protein-based lateral flow assays for COVID-19 detection.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates accessible and rapid diagnostic tools.
• Protein-protein interactions of SARS-CoV-2 are key targets for antigen detection.
• Lateral flow assays (LFA) offer point-of-care advantages but face sensitivity limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in protein-based lateral flow assays for COVID-19 antigen detection.
• To discuss the challenges and benefits of current LFA technologies.
• To highlight recent improvements addressing sensitivity issues in rapid COVID-19 tests.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection methods.
• Analysis of protein-protein interactions utilized in diagnostic assays.
• Evaluation of lateral flow assay (LFA) platform innovations.

Main Results:

• Protein-protein interactions involving SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins are central to antigen tests.
• Lateral flow assays provide rapid, low-cost, point-of-care testing.
• Ongoing research focuses on enhancing LFA sensitivity for improved COVID-19 detection.

Conclusions:

• Protein-based LFAs are crucial for accessible COVID-19 diagnostics.
• Addressing the sensitivity limitations of LFAs is an active area of research.
• Further innovations are needed to optimize rapid antigen tests for widespread use.