Editorial
Introduction to “Lateral Flow Assays: Methods and Applications”
Jing Wang (Zhejiang University of Technology, China), Jiangjiang Zhang (Beijing Institute of Technology, China) and Yanmin Ju (China Pharmaceutical University, China) introduce this themed collection on “Lateral Flow Assays: Methods and Applications”.
Tutorial Review
The importance of antibody orientation for enhancing sensitivity and selectivity in lateral flow immunoassays
This review emphasized the crucial role of antibody orientation in enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of lateral-flow assay test strips.
Paper
Selection of a DNA aptamer for aflatoxin B1 and the development of a lateral flow assay for the detection of aflatoxins in spiked peanut extract
Aflatoxin B1 is a highly toxic compound that contaminates food pre- and post-harvest, negatively impacting the agroeconomic system. Here we propose a AuNP-based colorimetric lateral flow assay for aflatoxin B1 detection.
Paper
Lateral flow assay-based detection of nuclear fusion oncoprotein: implications for screening of acute promyelocytic leukemia
A lateral flow assay integrated with leukocyte isolation and on-filter cell lysis for the detection of PML–RARα nuclear fusion oncoprotein at point-of-care.
Paper
Biotin/avidin-free sandwich aptamer-based lateral flow assay (ALFA) for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis
Aptamer lateral flow assay (ALFA) for testing T. vaginalis (Tv) in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL).
Paper
Rapid and automated interpretation of CRISPR-Cas13-based lateral flow assay test results using machine learning
We present two machine learning models for rapid and automated interpretation of smartphone-captured images of a CRISPR-Cas13-based lateral flow assay for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene, which classified the test results with 96.5% accuracy.
Paper
Non-organic solvent extraction of capsaicinoids from oil combined with fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay strips for on-site identification of illegally recycled waste cooking oil
The illicit use of recycled waste cooking oil poses a threat to food safety, yet there is currently a lack of on-site identification methods.
Paper
Improved point-of-care detection of P. gingivalis using optimized surface-enhanced Raman scattering in lateral flow assays
This work takes advantage of SERS–LFA combination to improve tests for P. gingivalis. We optimize the materials for the SERS–LFA, investigating different nanostars, and demonstrate feasibility for POC applications with a handheld Raman prototype.
About this collection
This themed collection, guest edited by Jing Wang (Zhejiang University of Technology), Jiangjiang Zhang (Beijing Institute of Technology) and Yanmin Ju (China Pharmaceutical University) showcases cutting-edge research in the design, development, and deployment of lateral flow technologies. The contributions span a wide range of topics, including novel nanomaterials, signal amplification strategies, point-of-care diagnostics, and real-world applications in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
Taken together, this collection highlights the remarkable versatility and continuing evolution of lateral flow assays, with contributions from researchers across the globe. We hope that readers will be inspired by these representative studies to further explore the vast potential of lateral flow assays-from enhancing sensitivity and integrating digital readouts to broadening applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety.