We have developed a lateral flow test strip with a low-conductivity carbon band printed above the test line to carry an electrical current.

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Any presence of gold nanoparticles on the test line allows us to detect and measure changes in the conductivity or resistance of the current. 

Coloured nanoparticles can provide a variety of benefits over the use of more traditional nanoparticles (e.g. gold). They can provide greater degrees of sensitivity, easy-read qualitative results and the opportunity for simplified multiplexing (several tests on a single strip).

The principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis/marijuana.

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Small molecule assays usually produce a positive test outcome with a faint or negative read (no test line = positive test result). To a user, this is counter-intuitive and can lead to misinterpreted results.

Producing a positive read assay provides a clear positive/negative indication and the optical density of the test line can also indicate the concentration strength of the sample.

A steroid hormone involved in the female reproductive cycle. Higher levels of estradiol indicate more ovarian follicles, increasing the chances of fertilisation. This is particularly important in IVF treatment.

Hydroxypyrene glucuronide (HOP-G) is a urinary secretion and a bio marker for pyrene. Pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) commonly formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Pyrene metabolises in the body to form 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP) and subsequently HOP-G. The Pyrene prototype benzo[a]pyrene, is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Other adverse respiratory and dermatological health impacts have also been observed.

Pyrene may be present in relatively high concentrations in certain working environments, so detecting high levels of HOP-G may help employers to identify ‘at risk’ personnel.

Nitrocellulose (NC) is the globally preferred membrane substrate in diagnostic lateral flow assays. A highly flammable product, NC is also one of three components in a standard lateral flow device that is classed as non-biodegradable. Affordability, convenience and sustainability are key drivers that inspire our work – and we have been leading tests to produce suitable alternatives for NC.