Lateral Flow Device with Dual Nanoparticle Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow devices lack sufficient sensitivity for detecting analytes, particularly at low concentrations, which limits their effectiveness in disease detection and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of lateral flow devices incorporating a porous substrate with distinct nanoparticles, where the detection nanoparticle is at least 3-fold greater in diameter than the control nanoparticle, and both include different detection labels, allowing for capillary flow and semi-quantitative analysis through a detection zone with test and control lines, enabling sensitive detection of analytes down to 0.01 ng/mL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lateral flow devices are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensitivity is insufficient for detecting analytes at low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the nanoparticle population into two distinct groups: detection nanoparticles (larger, 50-200 nm) that bind to the analyte and provide the primary detection signal, and control nanoparticles (smaller, 10-50 nm) that do not bind to the analyte and serve as an internal reference. This segmentation allows each nanoparticle type to be optimized for its specific function, thereby improving overall detection sensitivity without requiring complex external calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving different regions of the device (test line and control line) and different nanoparticle populations distinct properties. The detection nanoparticles have enhanced local quality for analyte binding with larger size and specific surface functionalization, while control nanoparticles have optimized local quality for consistent reference signal generation. This localized optimization of nanoparticle properties enhances measurement precision without complicating the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a single nanoparticle type is used in the sample pad, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but semi-quantitative analysis capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by varying the size parameter of nanoparticles (creating two distinct size populations) and their binding affinity parameters. Detection nanoparticles are larger (50-200 nm) with higher analyte binding capacity, while control nanoparticles are smaller (10-50 nm) with minimal analyte binding. This parameter differentiation enables semi-quantitative analysis through comparative signal intensity at the test and control lines, while the nanoparticles can still be manufactured using standard colloidal synthesis methods with controlled variation in reaction conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the sensitivity of lateral flow devices, allowing for accurate and semi-quantitative detection of analytes, providing a visible readout that correlates with analyte concentration, thereby improving disease detection and diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
the porous substrate defines a flow path through which a sample added to the sample zone flows under capillary action downstream from the sample zone into the detection zone
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are lateral flow devices that can sensitively detect an analyte in a sample by using two different populations of nanoparticles. An example device comprises a porous substrate, the porous substrate comprising a sample zone, the sample zone including a detection nanoparticle and a control nanoparticle, wherein the detection nanoparticle and the control nanoparticle each include a different detection label; and a detection zone, the detection zone including a test line and a control line downstream from the test line. Also disclosed are methods and kits including the devices.