title: From lateral flow devices to a novel nano-color microfluidic assay.
abstract: Improving the performance of traditional diagnostic lateral flow assays combined with new manufacturing technologies is a primary goal in the research and development plans of diagnostic companies. Taking into consideration the components of lateral flow diagnostic test kits; innovation can include modification of labels, materials and device design. In recent years, Resonance-Enhanced Absorption (REA) of metal nano-particles has shown excellent applicability in bio-sensing for the detection of a variety of bio-molecular binding interactions. In a novel approach, we have now integrated REA-assays in a diagnostic microfluidic setup thus resolving the bottleneck of long incubation times inherent in previously existing REA-assays and simultaneously integrated automated fabrication techniques for diagnostics manufacture. Due to the roller-coating based technology and chemical resistance, we used PET-co-polyester as a substrate and a CO(2) laser ablation system as a fast, highly precise and contactless alternative to classical micro-milling. It was possible to detect biological binding within three minutes - visible to the eye as colored text readout within the REA-fluidic device. A two-minute in-situ silver enhancement was able to enhance the resonant color additionally, if required.
authors.affiliation: Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH, Viktor Kaplan Strasse 2, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria; E-Mails:  palkovits@attophotonics.com  (R.P.);  Reininger@attophotonics.com (C.R.);  pointl@attophotonics.com  (P.P.).
authors.forename: Saied
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Assadollahi
authors.forename: Christiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reininger
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palkovits
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pointl
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schalkhammer