Agriculture

Agriculture

Introduction

Agricultural applications of lateral flow and flow through technology are numerous, ranging, from testing of grains, grapes and other crops for the presence of naturally occurring toxins, to assessment of quality of grains, determination of fungal or bacterial contamination of crops, to assessment of crop quality and identification of genetically modified (GMO) crops.

Lateral flow and flow through assays are ideal for this type of application, given their ability to handle a wide variety of sample types and perform many sample handling tasks on the device. Filtration, concentration and removal of cross-reactive elements are all important in these types of tests. Lateral flow and flow through assays can be specifically designed to handle all of these elements. High sensitivity and ease of use by untrained users are also critical factors in uptake of assays in this field. These are traits of lateral flow and flow through assays, particularly when integrated with appropriate handheld or benchtop reader systems based on fluorescence, magnetics or visual labels (colloidal gold or colored latex).

Numerous opportunities are available in this market, taking advantage of the sensitivity, specificity, ease of use and the growing ability for quantification with these assay formats. Among the largest are indentification of Genetically Modified Crops, through either phenotypic or genotypic assays. DCN has worked with companies developing isothermal DNA and RNA amplification methods, which are ideal for linking to lateral flow or flow through rapid assays. Get more information on DCN’s work in the area of Link to Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow.

For a detailed discussion of market opportunities and appropriate technologies for lateral flow and flow through market segments, see DCN’s Technology and Market Report on the point of need diagnostics market, entitled Pushing Lateral Flow to the Limits. Contact us for information on how to order this report.

Advantages of lateral flow and flow through assays in this market segment

DCN has developed numerous assays in this market area. Examples include:

Developing or manufacturing assays for Agriculture?

DCN offers a variety of products and services specifically designed to meet your needs, including:

Services
Platforms for development:
Reader Systems for lateral flow and flow through tests:
Sample Collection and Handling Devices
High Sensitivity Labels for Development
Reagents