CALL FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Signal Amplification in Universal Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs)

Technology Classification : In-vitro Diagnostic Platform

Technology Readiness Level : TRL 4

Intended end use : To serve as a universal signal enhancement strategy for improving the sensitivity, visual readability, and semi-quantitative capability of lateral flow assays (LFAs) across medical, veterinary, environmental, and food diagnostics

Product description : This patented technology introduces a versatile nanozyme-based signal amplification module utilizing aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles and chromogenic substrate. The module is integrated into existing or new LFA systems to dramatically increase colorimetric signal intensity and detection sensitivity without the need for complex instrumentation or fluorescent labels.

Novelty : Indian and US patent applications filed Published Work: Nanoscale, 2025, 17, 2469–2479 (DOI: 10.1039/d4nr04130e)
# Chromogenic substrate in LFAs to form coloured product, a dark brown stable chromogenic product with high visual contrast.
# Achieves ~20 times visual signal amplification, enabling detection in the picogram per mL range.
# Compatible with gold nanoparticle-based LFAs, aptamer or antibody based systems.
# Demonstrated applicability in COVID-19 spike protein detection with a visual LOD of 168 pg/mL.
# Can be modularly adapted into any LFA system as a signal enhancement unit.

Current Development stage/ Evaluations done :
# Full assay development and demonstration in a SARS-CoV-2 LFA platform
# Analytical validation using 25 clinical samples: Sensitivity 92%, Specificity 100%
# Performance comparison with commercial COVID-19 kits: superior detection
# Integrated signal quantification via smartphone-based app
# Indian and US patent applications filed
# Peer-reviewed publication: Nanoscale, 2025

Scope for Industry Integration
# Plug-and-play signal amplification module for existing LFA products
# Suitable for multiplex LFAs targeting pathogens, cancer, cardiac and neurodegenerative biomarkers
# Customizable for different nanozyme types and detection targets
# Cost-effective, scalable, and easy to adapt into standard LFA manufacturing workflows

Industry responsibility for technology transfer :
# Scale-up production and manufacturing validation
# Development of multiplexed versions for additional biomarkers (if required)
# Clinical validation and regulatory clearances
# Packaging, instructions for use, and commercialization

Deliverables from Institute :
Technology transfer documents covering :
# Nanozyme synthesis, aptamer functionalization, and substrate optimization
# Guidelines for chromogenic substrate-based signal amplification integration in LFAs
# Manufacturing protocols and QA/QC documentation
# Mobile app integration support

Training and collaborative support during translation and scale-up.

Industries and startups involved in LFA diagnostics or biosensor manufacturing are invited to explore technology transfer opportunities for this universal signal amplification platform.