Lateral flow assay ruler for quantitative and rapid point-of-care testing

Abstract

Lateral flow assay (LFA) is a well-established platform for point-of-care (POC) testing due to its low cost and user friendliness. Conventional LFAs provide qualitative or semi-quantitative results and require dedicated instruments for quantitative detection. Here, we developed an “LFA ruler” for quantitative and rapid readout of LFA results, using a 3D printed strip cassette and a simple, inexpensive microfluidic chip. Platinum nanoparticles are used as signal amplification reporters, which catalyze the generation of oxygen to push ink advancement in the microfluidic channel. The concentration of the target is linearly correlated with the ink advancement distance. The entire assay can be completed within 30 minutes without external instruments and complicated operations. We demonstrated quantitative prostate specific antigen testing using the LFA ruler, with a limit of detection of 0.54 ng mL⁻¹, linear range of 0–12 ng mL⁻¹, and high correlation with a clinical gold standard assay. The LFA ruler achieves low cost, quantitative, sensitive and rapid detection, which has great potential in POC testing and can be extended to quantify other disease biomarkers.