Smart Lateral Flow Assays

Lateral flow assays are the most commonly known rapid test technology world-wide, latest after the Covid pandemic billions of people have used them. In our research we are interested in expanding its applicability to other, even more difficult analytes by lowering their limit of detection, expanding to nucleic acid detection, emplying enzymes for signal generation and implementing novel sample preparation capabilities. We apply liposomes, nanofiber and microfluidic technologies in these efforts could show that liposomes provide a 10x lower limit of detection than the standard gold nanoparticles, similarly detected as low as 1 fmol of RNA in our early works, combine it with aptamers, employ it for antibody detection to detect the immune status of patients and much more. Also check-out of paper-based microfluidics which is advancing LFA technology through capillary-driven microchips or paper-based systems. 

Several of our smart LFA technologies are currently being translated for use in commercial products through our colleagues at the Fraunhofer IZI-BB. Check out our work on aptamer-based sensing, liposome and nanofiber research.  (externer Link, öffnet neues Fenster)

For example:

• Streif, S., Neckermann, P., Spitzenberg, C., Weiß, K., Hoecherl, K., Kulikowski, K., Hahner, S., Noelting, C., Einhauser, S., Peterhoof, D., Asam, C., Wagner, R., Baeumner, A.J. “Liposome-based high-throughput and point-of-care assays toward the quick, simple, and sensitive detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in patient sera.“ Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (2023) 415, 1421 – 1435, Issue Cover, Paper in Forefront, DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04548-3
• Frohnmeyer E, Tuschel N, Sitz T, Hermann C, Dahl GT, Schulz F, Baeumner AJ, Fischer M “Aptamer Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Cholera Toxin” Analyst (2019) 144:1840–1849, DOI: 10.1039/C8AN01616J
• Edwards, K.A., Baeumner, A.J. “Liposome-enhanced Lateral-flow Assays for the Sandwich-Hybridization Detection of RNA” Book chapter in “Biosensors and Biodetection: Methods and Protocols volume 2” Humana Press Books and Journals, Editors Avraham Rasooly, Keith E. Herold, pp. 185 - 215 (2009), DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-569-9_13
• Connelly, J.T., Nugen, S.R., Borejsza-Wysocki, W., Durst, R.A., Montagna, R.A., Baeumner, A.J. “Human Pathogenic Cryptosporidium species bioanalytical detection method with single oocyst detection capability”, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Issue cover vol. 391 (2), pp. 487 – 495 (2008), DOI: 10.1007/s00216-008-1967-2
• Baeumner, A.J., Leonard, B., McElwee, J., Montagna, R.A. “A Rapid Biosensor for Viable B. anthracis Spores” Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, vol. 380 (1), p. 15 – 23 (2004), DOI: 10.1007/s00216-004-2726-7
• Zaytseva, N.V., Montagna, R.A., Lee, E.M., Baeumner, A.J. “Multi-Analyte Single-Membrane Biosensor for Serotype Specific Detection of Dengue Virus” Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, vol. 380 (1), p. 46 – 53 (2004), DOI: 10.1007/s00216-004-2724-9
• Baeumner, A.J., Cohen, R.N., Miksic, V., Min, J.H. “RNA Biosensor for the Rapid Detection of Viable Escherichia coli in Drinking Water” Biosensors and Bioelectronics, vol. 8 (4) pp. 405 – 419 (2003), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12604258