Design of a nano-biosensors for the screening and rapid detection of different pathologies

Different types of immunoassays to measure the presence or concentration of analytes in biological fluids are based on the ability of an antibody to recognize and bind to a specific analyte in a complex mixture of macromolecules. Nanoparticle-based biodetection tests exhibit interesting properties including: increased sensitivity, specificity, portability, and versatility for the detection of a variety of biomarkers. Lateral flow assays (LFAs), also known as ´lateral flow tests´ or ´lateral flow immunoassays´ represent one of the fastest growing qualitative and quantitative immunoassays that can be used for the detection of many different antigens for the early detection of diseases and monitoring of patients. LFA assays have long been used to determine pregnancy, but are now synonymous with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen tests. These tests are highly specific, robust, low-cost, require a small amount of sample volume, are fast, and have an easy-to-use assay format. They can be qualitative or quantitative, combined with reading technology. In addition, its development and operating costs are very low compared to other diagnostic methods such as molecular profiling, and due to its versatile nature, it could also be used to detect cancer as a liquid biopsy test.