This chapter considers factors influencing sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassay and modern developments that are focused on reaching lower detection limits. The existing variety of proposed approaches is classified in accordance with the "big five rules" for these assays, including proper sample, receptor, interaction, response, and output. The solutions for rapid extraction of target analytes and preventing negative influence of extractants are considered. Role to antibodies affinity and specificity is characterized. Potential of alternate bioreceptor molecules is discussed. Immunoreactants' compositions, concentrations, and locations on the test strip are characterized as factors determining assay parameters. The existing variety of labels is compared in terms of their optical and alternate registration. Tools to modulate a sequence of analytical reactions and to form aggregates of the detected labels are considered. The discussed approaches are illustrated through developments of test strips for detection of mycotoxins, veterinary drugs, and other analytes.The overall design of the immunochromatographic test strip is shown in Figure 1. It is a composite of several membranes of different structures and porosities, fixed on a support. The bundling of the test strip can vary, so it makes sense to consider its design based on what analytical tasks are being performed on its different sites.A. Typically, the lower portion of the test strip contains a sample pad. It ensures the absorption of sample components, in which the presence of the target analyte is checked.B. The following is a section with immunoreagents that are washed out during the analysis and move upward along with the components of the sample. As a rule, a conjugate pad forms this zone. It contains a conjugate of antibodies against the target analyte with a nanodispersed label-particles of colored latex, colloidal gold, and so on.The next two sections are located on the main working membrane of the test strip.
C.First, there is a zone along which the movement of the absorbed components of the sample and the washed immunoreagents continues. During this movement, immune reactions occur, and specific intermolecular complexes are formed.
D.Next, a mixture of reacted and unreacted molecules enters the binding area with immobilized immunoreagents. Depending on whether the target analyte was present in the sample and in what amount, binding of labeled immune complexes occurs in certain areas (in the traditional case, with the formation of narrow colored lines). Usually, additional reagents are located here to control the functionality of the test system. E. The upper part of the test strip with the final pad, usually structurally similar to the sample pad, ensures the further movement of the reaction mixture under the action of capillary forces and the washing of unreacted components from the underlying areas. These processes allow the label's binding to be evaluated correctly.Membrane components of the test strip are fixed on a plastic support and partia...
