Abstract
The lateral flow assay (LFA) is an extensively used paper-based platform for the rapid and on-site detection of different analytes. The method is user-friendly with no need for sophisticated operation and only includes adding sample. Generally, antibodies are employed as the biorecognition elements in the LFA. However, antibodies possess several disadvantages including poor stability, high batch-to-batch variation, long development time, high price and need for ethical approval and cold chain. Because of these limitations, aptamers screened by an in vitro process can be a good alternative to antibodies as biorecognition molecules in the LFA. In recent years, aptamer-based LFAs have been investigated for the detection of different analytes in point-of-care diagnostics. In this review, we summarize the applications of aptamer technology in LFAs in clinical diagnostic rapid tests for the detection of biomarkers, microbial analytes, hormones and antibiotics. Performance, advantages and drawbacks of the developed assays are also discussed.
Highlights
Lateral flow assays (LFAs), known as immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) are paper-based assays for the detection of a variety of analytes in different matrixes, where the liquid sample or sample extract is dropped on the test strip and the results are indicated within a few minutes [1]
Given the new approach of researchers to the use of aptamers as emerging recognition elements, the question arises in the minds of many researchers of whether the use of aptamers can improve the sensitivity of these tests? According to the results of many studies, it can be concluded that aptamers are examples of “programmable” nucleic acid-based binding reagents that have a range of sensitivities from mid-picomolar to high-micromolar, which argues for a constant need for case-by-case optimization even though—or especially because—they introduce new reaction sets to the LFAs
In the case of other analytes, there may not be a significant difference in sensitivity between aptamer-based and antibody-based LFAs and method optimization and application of other strategies that can increase the sensitivity of the method regardless of the type of recognition element
Summary
Antibodies possess several disadvantages including poor stability, high batch-to-batch variation, long development time, high price and need for ethical approval and cold chain Because of these limitations, aptamers screened by an in vitro process can be a good alternative to antibodies as biorecognition molecules in the LFA. Low production cost, low price, immediate results, high sensitivity and selectivity, and ease of use of LFAs have resulted in the expansion of their uses to different fields in which rapid tests are required According to these features, they are extensively used in hospitals, health centers, clinical laboratories, and physician’s offices, as well as for quality control, food safety assessment and environmental health [1,2,3,4].
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