The Optimization of Buffers for Lateral Flow Assays

Lateral flow assays have risen to prominence in recent years, particularly during the SARS-nCoV-2019 pandemic, where, after they were developed and validated, they rapidly replaced RT-qPCR testing centres as the predominant method of covid detection. Their popularity arises from their meeting all of the World Health Organisations (WHOs) ASSURED criteria for point-of-care diagnostic tests. However, despite their relative simplicity, developing and optimising Lateral Flow Assays is a time consuming and difficult process. This lecture will focus on one of the most important aspects of this development, optimizing the buffers required for each of the steps, from nanoparticle functionalization, to running buffer and antibody printing. Discussing the roles of the different buffer constituents and when they can be beneficial or detrimental to the final assay performance.