Rapid Prototyping of a C-Reactive Protein Lateral Flow Assay Using Commercial Reagents and Pre-Manufactured Test Strips
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-10-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 12:45 PM
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important biomarker of inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular risk, yet the development of point-of-care, lateral flow assays (LFAs) for CRP often relies on specialized striping equipment, proprietary materials, and costly manufacturing systems. We report a rapid prototyping strategy for a CRP lateral flow assay using commercially available antibodies, colloidal gold nanoparticle conjugates, and pre-manufactured nitrocellulose test strips, eliminating the need for automated striping platforms or precision dispensing instrumentation. Using simple benchtop tools and standard laboratory procedures, a sandwich-format immunoassay was assembled and optimized for antibody pairing and running conditions. The proof-of-principle system produced visually detectable test lines at clinically relevant CRP concentrations, with signal intensity corresponding to analyte level. Assay performance was evaluated using CRP standards to demonstrate feasibility and reproducibility within a basic research and teaching laboratory setting. This low-cost, equipment-minimal approach lowers barriers to entry for point-of-care diagnostic development and enables rapid iteration during early assay design, especially in resource-limited environments. The platform is particularly well-suited for academic research environments and teaching laboratories, where it provides a practical, hands-on model for immunochemistry, bioanalytical methods, and biosensor development.
Identify Grant
Illinois Innovation Grant
Rapid Prototyping of a C-Reactive Protein Lateral Flow Assay Using Commercial Reagents and Pre-Manufactured Test Strips
University Library
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important biomarker of inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular risk, yet the development of point-of-care, lateral flow assays (LFAs) for CRP often relies on specialized striping equipment, proprietary materials, and costly manufacturing systems. We report a rapid prototyping strategy for a CRP lateral flow assay using commercially available antibodies, colloidal gold nanoparticle conjugates, and pre-manufactured nitrocellulose test strips, eliminating the need for automated striping platforms or precision dispensing instrumentation. Using simple benchtop tools and standard laboratory procedures, a sandwich-format immunoassay was assembled and optimized for antibody pairing and running conditions. The proof-of-principle system produced visually detectable test lines at clinically relevant CRP concentrations, with signal intensity corresponding to analyte level. Assay performance was evaluated using CRP standards to demonstrate feasibility and reproducibility within a basic research and teaching laboratory setting. This low-cost, equipment-minimal approach lowers barriers to entry for point-of-care diagnostic development and enables rapid iteration during early assay design, especially in resource-limited environments. The platform is particularly well-suited for academic research environments and teaching laboratories, where it provides a practical, hands-on model for immunochemistry, bioanalytical methods, and biosensor development.