Fuente: Molecules - Revista científica (MDPI) Molecules, Vol. 31, Pages 1305: Electrochemical Lateral Flow Platforms: Pioneering the Future of Rapid Testing
Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules31081305
Authors:
Joao P. R. S. Carvalho
Isis C. Prado
Karyne Rangel
Jessica A. Waterman
Salvatore G. De-Simone

The increasing demand for advanced diagnostic technologies has positioned biosensor platforms as powerful alternatives to conventional analytical methods. Among them, lateral flow platforms (LFPs) are widely used for their speed, simplicity, and low cost. However, their limited sensitivity and lack of quantitative precision have spurred the development of enhanced systems incorporating electrochemical detection. Electrochemical biosensors offer significant advantages, including high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and ease of miniaturization, which make them especially suitable for point-of-care testing (POCT). To address the limitations of traditional colorimetric LFPs, several strategies have been employed, such as the incorporation of nanomaterials, enzymatic amplification, and signal-enhancing labels. A particularly promising innovation is the direct integration of electrodes into LFPs, enabling real-time electrochemical readouts and enhanced analytical accuracy. Despite their potential, challenges persist, including manufacturing complexity, a lack of standardized protocols, and difficulties in scaling production for widespread adoption. Continued progress in developing hybrid platforms that combine lateral flow technology with electrochemical detection is crucial for expanding diagnostic applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety. This work explores recent advances in electrochemical LFPs, reviewing current methodologies while discussing their advantages, limitations, and the future directions necessary to facilitate broader implementation and improve global diagnostic accessibility.