Skip to page content
Back to overview

Jan 21, 2025

Carbon nanofiber electrodes for use in lateral flow assays

Life Sciences, Diagnostics/Biomarker

  • Easy on-site analsysis for consumers at home maintained
  • Higher sensitivity and more quantitative measurement
  • Microfluidic systems planned

Your contact

Dr. M. Charlotte Hemmer

E-Mail:
chemmer@baypat.de
Phone:
+49 (0) 89 5480177 - 29
Reference Number:
B81092

Challenge

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are immunochromatographic rapid tests in strip format that are fast and easy-to-use without a need for specialized staff or expensive equipment. These portable devices detect target substances in a liquid sample via colorimetry and are based on an antigen-antibody reaction. Electrochemical systems, on the other hand, use electrodes and enable a more sensitive and quantitative measurement compared to colorimetric detection. In conventional LFAs, colorimetric detection by eye or camera only allows for semi-quantitative results. More advanced readout devices can measure reflectometrically or fluorescently but are very expensive. This defeats the purpose of a cheap test for a quick and easy use at home for consumers. There are currently no electrodes that can be integrated in a flow system and allow for electrochemical measurements in a 3D electrode network in conventionasl LFAs.

Innovation

The invention describes printable freestanding laser-induced carbon nanofibers (LCNF) with outstanding analytical performance that can easily allow such miniaturization through a paper-based microfluidic strategy. 3D-carbon nanomaterials have proven to be high-performance transducers in electrochemical sensors. The LCNF electrodes were generated from electrospun polyimide nanofibers and one-step laser carbonization. Integration into closed microfluidic systems highlights that 3D porous structures provide excellent analytical performance and translation to affordable lab-on-a-chip devices such as LFAs.

Commercial Opportunities

  • Higher sensitivity and more quantitative measurement compared to conventional LFAs
  • Easy on-site analsysis for consumers at home is maintained
  • Unchallenging integration into current production processes
  • Microfluidic systems planned: Direct flow through microchannels in electrode due to inherent capillarity

Development Status

TRL Level 3

References

Interested? Get in touch!

Contact a specific team member via the Team section or simply use our contact form for your request.

Privacy settings

This website uses cookies. Cookies improve its usage and help make this website better.
Privacy policy