K-Y Hwang
ctbio,
Korea
Keywords: lateral flow assay, biomarker, quantitative detection
Summary:
Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) has revolutionized the landscape of diagnostics, offering rapid and user-friendly solutions for a wide array of applications. This invited talk will provide an in-depth introduction to LFA technologies, highlighting their principles, components, and diverse applications. We will begin by elucidating the fundamental principles underlying LFA, including the design of the test strip, the role of various components such as sample pad, conjugate pad, and absorbent pad, as well as the mechanisms of signal generation and detection. Emphasis will be placed on the simplicity and versatility of LFA, making them ideal for point-of-care and field-based testing scenarios. Furthermore, the talk will explore the evolution of LFA technologies and their adaptation for saliva testing. Saliva represents a promising alternative to traditional sample matrices, offering non-invasive collection and potential for early disease detection. We will discuss the specific considerations and challenges associated with saliva testing, including sample viscosity, variability in biomarker concentrations, and compatibility with LFA formats. Moreover, the application of LFA in saliva testing will be exemplified through case studies across different fields, including infectious diseases, cancer biomarkers, and drug monitoring. We will showcase the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of LFA assays for saliva analysis, highlighting their utility in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of various health conditions. In addition to their diagnostic capabilities, LFA also holds promise for surveillance and epidemiological studies, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The rapid deployment and scalability of LFA enable timely and widespread testing, contributing to disease containment efforts and public health interventions. Finally, the talk will address future perspectives and challenges in the continued development and optimization of LFA technologies for saliva testing. Strategies for enhancing accuracy, sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and integration with digital platforms will be discussed, along with considerations for regulatory approval and market adoption. In conclusion, this talk aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of LFA technologies and their application in saliva testing, highlighting their transformative potential in advancing diagnostics and healthcare delivery.