Latest Improvement of Lateral Flow Assay in Detecting Nucleic Acid and Food Contaminant

Lateral flow assay is a paper chromatography used in portable test kits. It can show the testing results visually on the test line and control line. Lateral flow assay has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its low cost and portability. Lateral flow assay was also used in the pregnancy test kits which displayed relatively high sensitivity. Lateral flow assay has an imperatively simple mechanism which is very convenient. This portable and inexpensive testing method has significant potential in ultrasensitive biosensing. Recently, numerous innovations in this technology are invented. With the combination of other new technology, the lateral flow assay could be modified. It could be improved in sensitivity and selectivity. In this work, the mechanism, latest research results, and applications were be discussed. The modification of LFA technology by CRISPR, fluorescence, and some nanoparticles were also introduced. This work would promote the further progression of lateral flow assay (LFA) and the possible usage of it.