title: Enhanced sensitivity of lateral flow tests using a two-dimensional paper network format.
abstract: Point-of-care diagnostic assays that are rapid, easy-to-use, and low-cost are needed for use in low-resource settings; the lateral flow test has become the standard bioassay format in such settings because it meets those criteria. However, for a number of analytes, conventional lateral flow tests lack the sensitivity needed to have clinical utility. To address this limitation, we are developing a paper network platform that extends the conventional lateral flow test to two dimensions. The two-dimensional structures allow incorporation of multistep processes for improved sensitivity, while still retaining the positive aspects of conventional lateral flow tests. Here we create an easy-to-use, signal-amplified immunoassay based on a modified commercial strip test for human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone used to detect pregnancy, and demonstrate an improved limit of detection compared to a conventional lateral flow assay. These results highlight the potential of the paper network platform to enhance access to high-quality diagnostic capabilities in low-resource settings in the developed and developing worlds.
authors.affiliation: Box 355061, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. efu@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Elain
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Tinny
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Jared
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Houghtaling
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramachandran
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lutz
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yager
mesh_terms: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D010209:Paper; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin