NT-proBNP detection with a one-step magnetic lateral flow channel assay

Point-of-care sensors targeting blood marker analysis must be designed to function with very small volumes since acquiring a blood sample through a simple, mostly pain-free finger prick dramatically limits the sample size and comforts the patient. Therefore, we explored the potential of converting a conventional lateral flow assay (LFA) for a significant biomarker into a self-contained and compact polymer channel-based LFA to minimize the sample volume while maintaining the analytical merits. Our primary objective was to eliminate the use of sample-absorbing fleece and membrane materials commonly present in LFAs. Simultaneously, we concentrated on developing a ready-to-deploy one-step LFA format, characterized by dried reagents, facilitating automation and precise sample transport through a pump control system. We targeted the detection of the heart failure biomarker NT-proBNP in only 15 µL human whole blood and therefore implemented strategies that ensure highly sensitive detection. The biosensor combines streptavidin-functionalized magnetic beads (MNPs) as a 3D detection zone and fluorescence nanoparticles as signal labels in a sandwich-based immunoassay. Compared to the currently commercialized LFA, our biosensor demonstrates comparable analytical performance with only a tenth of the sample volume. With a detection limit of 43.1 pg∙mL^-1 and a mean error of 18% (n ≥ 3), the biosensor offers high sensitivity and accuracy. The integration of all-dried long-term stable reagents further enhances the convenience and stability of the biosensor. This lateral flow channel platform represents a promising advancement in point-of-care diagnostics for heart failure biomarkers, offering a user-friendly and sensitive platform for rapid and reliable testing with low finger-prick blood sample volumes.