Development of Lateral Flow Assay-Based Test Kit Using Sustainable Materials

Yap, Kah Seng (2024) Development of Lateral Flow Assay-Based Test Kit Using Sustainable Materials. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) is a rapid, paper-based diagnostic platform used extensively across various fields, such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Most diagnostic kits are made of plastic, which is not biodegradable and is an environmental concern. In this study, two types of hydrogel – sodium alginate and gelatin – are used as an alternative to plastic. Hydrogels are known for their biocompatibility and biodegradable properties and have wide applications in the biomedical field. Alginate, derived from seaweed, provides a biocompatible and low-toxicity alternative, while gelatin, though predominantly animal-derived, has versatile applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and medical fields. Gelatin provides a solid yet brittle cassette prototype. Upon running a simulated sample using the prototype, the 15% gelatin test kit shows a similar result as the commercial Covid-19 test kit. The 15% and 10 % gelatin test kits can withstand 0.027N of force produced by three stainless steel balls with 25mm, 38mm and 51mm diameters drop from a 15 centimeter height. The sodium alginate, on the other hand, produces a soft and flaccid cassette prototype and hence not developed further in this study. In conclusion, gelatin can be a suitable material for a sustainable test kit if its brittle properties can be overcome. Further research can still be conducted on sodium alginate even though it has failed to provide a solid cassette of a test kit.