Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow

Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow

Introduction

Driven by the need for more sensitivity and the opportunity for wide applicability of nucleic acid testing in point of need environments, there is a strong market desire to have a fast, robust, nucleic acid detection technology married to the speed and convenience of a lateral flow technology.

The detection of nucleic acid product in point of need environments has been made difficult by a variety of factors including the technical difficulties associated with the most commonly used amplification technology, PCR. The main challenges are in sample preparation and control of assay specificity and reproducibility. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), developed by ASM Scientific, Cambridge,UK, represents a significant step forward in the reduction of the complexity of nucleic acid amplification methods to the point where they can be applied in point of need environments. The appropriate application of lateral flow technology, with some modifications, can assist in bringing this key application directly to the point of need.

LFIA’s have not yet been widely applied in this application. Traditional LFIA’s have often suffered from limitations in sensitivity and reproducibility. These limitations are mainly due to the use of traditional manfacturing practices, materials, labels, and visual detection systems. In recent years, advances in these areas have allowed for significantly improved performance in lateral flow assays. This makes it possible to apply LFIA’s in areas, such as nucleic acid detection, that may demand more sensitivity and reproducibility than traditional lateral flow assays are typically considered capable of.

DCN’s range of assay readers, coupled with our ability to develop and manufacture very high sensitivity fluorescent, magnetic or visual assays provide a way to quickly produce a range of assays that can address specific needs within this market. Our ability to develop and design devices, plastics, sample handling and preparation systems, and integrate everything into a complete assay system that can be rapidly applied at the point of need make DCN the ideal partner for your assays in the this area of application.

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.

For more information on DCN’s work in Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow testing (NALF) visit the DCN Library Bioworld Application.

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

Developing or manufacturing assays for Nucleic Acid Detection?

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:
High Sensitivity Labels for Development
Reagents