Lateral flow assays for quantitative detection of potential tear biomarkers in glaucoma
File(s)
Author(s)
Wu, Yue
Type
Thesis or dissertation
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally which significantly affects the quality of life and has a substantial economic impact. However, only 10% to 50% of those with the condition are aware they have this disease. Effective detection and screening strategies are necessary to identify glaucoma as early as possible. Current routine methods of measuring disease activity are powerful in recording the functional and structural changes in glaucomatous eyes, but there remains an unmet need for novel tools to detect glaucoma earlier, which are more affordable, easily accessible, and accurate.
Tear fluid biomarker analysis provides novel surrogate endpoints for glaucoma. The lateral flow assay (LFA) offers an ideal platform due to it is fast, inexpensive, and user-friendly advantages. This study sought to develop LFAs for measuring tear biomarkers as indicators of glaucoma, thereby providing an alternative method for glaucoma screening. First, commonly used colorimetric label gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were chosen to develop a LFA for quantitative detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Next, a quantum dot (QD)-based LFA was developed for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) detection. A smartphone APP was also developed to simplify results and the analysis process. To further improve the accuracy, a dual-test LFA was finally developed for simultaneous detection of BDNF and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
The LFA has remarkable potential to overcome the current deficiencies in glaucoma screening, including limited sensitivity and specificity and high costs and offers an ideal tool for timely, cheap, and accurate glaucoma screening especially in point-of-care setting. Notably, a quantitative LFA product for tear fluid analysis and glaucoma monitoring is not yet available on the market. Consequently, the development of this glaucoma detection LFA presents substantial market potential. Overall, the innovative application of the LFA demonstrates an impactful approach to advancing the field of glaucoma screening.
Tear fluid biomarker analysis provides novel surrogate endpoints for glaucoma. The lateral flow assay (LFA) offers an ideal platform due to it is fast, inexpensive, and user-friendly advantages. This study sought to develop LFAs for measuring tear biomarkers as indicators of glaucoma, thereby providing an alternative method for glaucoma screening. First, commonly used colorimetric label gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were chosen to develop a LFA for quantitative detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Next, a quantum dot (QD)-based LFA was developed for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) detection. A smartphone APP was also developed to simplify results and the analysis process. To further improve the accuracy, a dual-test LFA was finally developed for simultaneous detection of BDNF and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
The LFA has remarkable potential to overcome the current deficiencies in glaucoma screening, including limited sensitivity and specificity and high costs and offers an ideal tool for timely, cheap, and accurate glaucoma screening especially in point-of-care setting. Notably, a quantitative LFA product for tear fluid analysis and glaucoma monitoring is not yet available on the market. Consequently, the development of this glaucoma detection LFA presents substantial market potential. Overall, the innovative application of the LFA demonstrates an impactful approach to advancing the field of glaucoma screening.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-10-29
Date Awarded
2025-06-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Cordeiro, Francesca
Yetisen, Ali
Publisher Department
Department of Surgery & Cancer
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)