Beyond Traditional Lateral Flow Assays: Enhancing Performance Through Multianalytical Strategies

Multiplex lateral flow assays are one of the greatest advancements in the world of rapid diagnostics, achieving the performance of several tests in one. These tests meet the basic requirements of increasing ease of use, low detection limit, and high specificity, as they combine the use of novel strategies, such as the exploitation of multiple detection labels, and a variety of amplification methods. These tests have proven their usefulness in many different areas, including clinical diagnostics, food, and environmental monitoring. In this review paper, we attempt to highlight and discuss the predominant changes in multianalyte LFAs, as related to their principle, their development, and their combination with other methods. Attention is paid to their flexibility and the challenges associated with the use of LFA arrays, including strategies to improve the detectability, sensitivity, and reliability of the assays. Therefore, this review emphasizes the current advances in the field to underline the possible impact of multiplex LFAs on the future of diagnostics and analytical sciences.