Aptamer-Based Lateral Flow Assays: Current Trends in Clinical Diagnostic Rapid Tests

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are widely used for rapid, on-site analyte detection.
• Antibodies are common biorecognition elements in LFAs but have limitations like poor stability and high cost.
• Aptamers, selected via in vitro processes, present a promising alternative to antibodies in LFAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of aptamer technology in lateral flow assays (LFAs).
• To explore aptamer-based LFAs for clinical diagnostic rapid tests.
• To discuss the performance, advantages, and drawbacks of these developed assays.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on aptamer-based lateral flow assays.
• Summary of aptamer applications in detecting biomarkers, microbial analytes, hormones, and antibiotics.
• Analysis of assay performance, including advantages and limitations.

Main Results:

• Aptamers serve as effective biorecognition elements in LFAs, overcoming antibody limitations.
• Aptamer-based LFAs have shown potential for detecting various analytes in point-of-care settings.
• The review details specific applications in clinical diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Aptamers are a viable and advantageous alternative to antibodies for biorecognition in LFAs.
• Aptamer-based LFAs offer a promising platform for rapid, user-friendly diagnostics.
• Further development and application of aptamer technology in LFAs are encouraged for improved point-of-care testing.