Toward integrated molecular lateral flow diagnostic tests using advanced micro- and Nnanotechnology

Altres ajuts: ICN2 is funded by CERCA programme, Generalitat de Catalunya. A.R.-M. acknowledges Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) for the possibility of performing this work inside the framework of Biotechnology PhD Programme. Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the routine methods for clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases have become closer to the general population and terms like "PCR" (polymerase chain reaction) and "antigen rapid diagnostic test" (RDT) are not restricted only to the scientific community but now also commonly appear in everyday language. Given the emergency, the pandemic also raised awareness about supply politics and regulation of the market for diagnostic tests [e.g., Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or the "Conformité Européenne" marking (CE marking) from the European Union, EU]. PCR and RDT are two major techniques currently used in clinical practice for diagnosis of diseases. On the one hand, PCR is a highly sensitive method, but it relies on expensive equipment and qualified personnel. On the other hand, rapid diagnostic tests, despite being less sensitive, are faster, cheaper, portable, and battery/instrument-free. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rapid antigen tests and different nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs), such as PCR, both as in vitro diagnostic devices. To do so, our review explains the working principle of each method, classifies the different subtypes, and analyzes the impact that the introduction of isothermal amplification methods will have in the diagnostic field. In addition, this review gives an overview of the current available products in the market and the new trends generated as a result of combining the strengths of NAAT and RDT.