Significantly Improved Analytical Sensitivity of Lateral Flow Immunoassays by Using Thermal Contrast

Abstract

Heat beyond visual: The thermal contrast from the heating of gold nanoparticles upon laser stimulation can improve the analytical sensitivity of lateral flow assays (LFAs; see picture). A 32-fold improvement in sensitivity of an approved LFA for cryptococcal antigen (purple diamond) was shown, with the potential for further improvement by optimizing the backing material and the properties of the antibody-coated nanoparticles (red circle with blue Y).