Towards Development of a Simplified Lateral Flow Assays Using Hydrogels as the Universal Control Line

The ability to simplify Lateral Flow Assays (LFA) with higher sensitivity and lower cost would lead to next generation point of care test device for basic research and clinical applications. Here, we demonstrate a hydrogels line modification on nitrocellulose (NC) membrane would enhance the sensitivity of LFA. Our first efforts are to lower limit of detection (LOD) of commercial LFA strips by comprising a hydrogel polymer as extra line. Furthermore, the typical control line could be replaced by hydrogels line, which could detect COVID-19 antigens with even lower LOD. These results build the foundation to enhance the sensitivity and develop the simplified LFA sensing platform without extra expensive readers or additional user steps.