Recent Advances in Novel Lateral Flow Technologies for Detection of COVID-19

Abstract

The development of reliable and robust diagnostic tests is one of the most efficient methods to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, most laboratory diagnostics for COVID-19, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are expensive, time-consuming, and require highly trained professional operators. On the other hand, the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a simpler, cheaper device that can be operated by unskilled personnel easily. Unfortunately, the current technique has some limitations, mainly inaccuracy in detection. This review article aims to highlight recent advances in novel lateral flow technologies for detecting SARS-CoV-2 as well as innovative approaches to achieve highly sensitive and specific point-of-care testing. Lastly, we discuss future perspectives on how smartphones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated to revolutionize disease detection as well as disease control and surveillance.

OraSure InteliSwab™ Rapid Antigen Test Performance with the SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron

“…Another diagnostic assay is the rapid antigen-detecting test (RDT). RDTs can be performed at home, produce results within hours [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], and complement qRT-PCR-based diagnostics [ 6 ]. As the name suggests, RDTs are based on the detection of antigen presence.…”

CRISPR-Cas12a-mediated label-free electrochemical aptamer-based sensor for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection

“…The mechanism of CRISPR-Cas systems, which are programmed by CRISPR guide RNA (crRNA), has been reported to not only cleave the target nucleic acid but also cleave all neighbouring nucleic acids indiscriminately [8] , [9] . This target-triggered collateral activity of CRISPR-Cas systems has stimulated the development of CRISPR-based biosensing technologies [10] , [11] , which offer unique advantages of simple fabrication, ultrahigh sensitivity, high specificity to single-base variation, and good amenability for POC diagnostics [12] , [13] , [14] . On the basis of these advantages, CRISPR has been extensively used in designing biosensors for nucleic-acid-related COVID-19 diagnostics [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] .…”

OraSure InteliSwab® Rapid Antigen Test performance with the SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron

“…Another diagnostic assay is the rapid antigen-detecting test (RDT). RDTs can be done at home, produce results within hours [2][3][4][5], and complement qRT-PCR-based diagnostics [6]. As the name suggests, RDTs are based on the detection of antigen presence.…”