Park, Jeong Soo Hong, Ji Hye Lee, Seungmin Chung, Seok Yoon, Dae Sung Kwak, Seungmin Lee, Dohwan Lee, Jeong Hoon 2025-04-09T08:30:15Z 2025-04-09T08:30:15Z 2025-04-09 2025-06 0956-5663 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/152220 In this study, we developed a tangential nanoelectrokinetic force-enhanced lateral flow assay by integrating a Nafion-cellulose nanofibrils hybrid gel to improve conventional lateral flow assay performance without external instrumentation. Our assay was designed by embedding the Nafion-cellulose nanofibrils gel beneath the test line, generating a tangential nanoelectrokinetic force that enhances the migration and accumulation of antigen-AuNP probe complexes within the visible depth of the nitrocellulose surface. The proposed assay exhibited a 32.5-fold improvement in the limit of detection for COVID-19 nucleocapsid protein, achieving a 0.24 ng/mL. Clinical trials demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, far surpassing the performance of conventional lateral flow assays, which typically achieve 66.7 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. Our assay also demonstrated high selectivity, with no cross-reactivity against other respiratory pathogens such as respiratory syncytial virus A, respiratory syncytial virus B, OC43 (COVID), influenza A, and influenza B, making it a robust and cost-effective solution for point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings. English Pergamon Press Ltd. Amplifying visible signals in lateral flow assays using integrated nanoelectrokinetics Article 10.1016/j.bios.2025.117357 1 Biosensors and Bioelectronics, v.278 Biosensors and Bioelectronics 278 N scie scopus 001450583900001 2-s2.0-105000095657 Biophysics Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology Chemistry, Analytical Electrochemistry Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Biophysics Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology Chemistry Electrochemistry Science & Technology - Other Topics Article SENSITIVITY Lateral flow assay SARS-CoV-2 Signal enhancement Nanoelectrokinetics Cellulose nanofibrils Point-of-care diagnostics