Dear all, I apply lateral flow assay to detect different targets, including protein and bacteria. To reduce the non-specific binding, I add different ratio of BSA in running buffer, such as 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. The ratio between ON/OFF result has been selected as the standard to optimize the BSA ratio. Compared with protein target, the bacteria targets exhibit more significant effect with the BSA ratio change. Even between the bacteria targets, the BSA effect is also different. I really don't know how to exolain it. If possible, could you please give me some suggestions or reference papers? Thanks very much!
In lateral flow assays the rate of binding depends primarily on the diffusional distance of the target analyte from the bulk to the binding surface. This depends on the size of the analyte. Larger analytes need more diffusional time to find the surface. Bacteria are also so large that they are effectively their own surfaces and will attract BSA to bind to them, shielding some or all of the epitodes on their surfaces.
Probably. I'm assuming that you are using the BSA as a blocking agent. You might try something else for that (e.g., casein, Tween 20, etc).
Sorry, don't know of any. I used to make lateral flow assays and had to model the system from first principles, but never published outside of some government reports.
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