(CKTV Project) Enhancing the sensitivity of lateral flow testing for Malaria and HIV diagnostics

Lateral flow assay devices are widely used diagnostic tools in both developed and low resource settings. These point-of-care tests offer rapid, affordable diagnosis but their limited sensitivity compared to laboratory methods, means they can miss early stages of disease when biomarker levels are low. The team will address that challenge by seeking to improve sensitivity without sacrificing simplicity or cost.

This project develops a new, power-free strategy using a clever technique called diffusiophoresis – an effect where particles move because of salt gradients (differences in salt concentration). This movement helps to pull more biomarkers to the test line, making the signal stronger. In early tests, this method made the test five times more sensitive without extra equipment or big changes to the device. Building on the work, the team will optimise and validate this method for detecting malaria (pLDH enzyme) or HIV (p24 protein), targeting at least a twenty-fold sensitivity improvement. If successful the improved tests could detect disease earlier, whilst also being practical for use, both in settings such as the NHS and in countries with low resource.

About the Industry Partner

Global Access Diagnostics is a leading developer of Lateral Flow Assays and rapid diagnostic technologies, delivering many innovations in rapid point-of-care diagnosis.  GADx’s end-to-end provision supports assay design and customer reagent design, product development, and go-to market regulatory validation encompassed within an ISO 13485 accredited process. They are able to support go-to market strategy, and technology transfer to scaled manufacturing. GADx already support a significant program of epidemic focused diagnostic development across academic, government and philanthropic partners, and have previously engaged in programs for HIV and Malaria diagnostic test development.