STRP

Influenza (flu) infections are commonly diagnosed using Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests or RIDTs that are inexpensive, do not require specialized equipment, and can provide results within 15 minutes. RIDTs, however, often produce false negative results requiring that their outcomes be validated with advanced tests which largely compromises their time and cost benefits. In this project, we propose to improve RIDT sensitivity by developing a Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) device capable of analyzing nasal swab samples collected on a dissolvable surface. The use of a dissolvable surface will cut down the liquid volume requirement into which the swab sample is transferred from 350-500 μL to 20-50 μL allowing analysis of the entire specimen rather than a small fraction of it. The proposed LFIA device will be capable of working with this lower liquid volume and experience minimal interference from the solubilized surface material. Additionally, the intensity of the test line in it will be improved using a two-layered gold nanoparticle structure for the detection probe and a tapered nitrocellulose membrane. A 100-fold improvement in test sensitivity will be targeted combining the above strategies in Phase I of the project. In Phase II, the performance of our LFIA platform will be validated using human nasal swab samples collected by our collaborators, Dr. Koduri and Mr. Jacobs. Our higher RIDT sensitivity will eliminate the need for validating its outcomes using PCR methods, saving $100-200 in testing cost per incidence and allowing improved disease treatment/management through access to reliable test results within 15 minutes.