Rapid lateral flow immunoassay for acrylamide detection in water

Overview

Acrylamide is a known contaminant that can enter drinking and surface water through industrial and water treatment processes. Current detection methods, such as ELISA-based competitive immunoassays, are commercially available but typically require trained personnel, multi-step protocols, and a full day to deliver results. This proposal seeks to develop a rapid lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) capable of detecting acrylamide in water within approximately 20 minutes, enabling point-of-production testing and continuous safety monitoring.

The proposed assay translates the principles of a competitive ELISA onto a streamlined lateral flow platform. By leveraging existing acrylamide-specific assay components and the team's prior experience developing a competitive LFI for saxitoxin, the project aims to deliver a practical, field-ready screening tool for water quality assurance.

Technical specifications

• Assay format: Competitive lateral flow immunoassay designed for small-molecule detection
• Target analyte: Acrylamide in water samples
• Detection mechanism: A gold-labeled acrylamide-specific antibody is pre-incubated with the sample; free acrylamide in the sample competes with a competitor molecule immobilized at the test line for antibody binding. A reduction in visual signal at the test line indicates a positive result
• Readout: Visual detection via gold-labeled detector, with the option to substitute a fluorescent label to boost analytical sensitivity if needed
• Target sensitivity range: 0.1 to 100 parts per billion (ppb)
• Time to result: Approximately 20 minutes
• User requirements: Designed for minimal training and straightforward operation, suitable for use during water production rather than only in laboratory settings
• Development basis: Builds on the team's recently developed competitive LFI for saxitoxin, adapting the same core design strategy

Technology readiness level

The project is at an early-to-mid development stage. The underlying competitive immunoassay chemistry and acrylamide-specific reagents are already commercially available, and the team has demonstrated proof-of-concept for a similar competitive LFI targeting saxitoxin. During the proposed 6-month project, multiple LFI design options will be evaluated across the 0.1 to 100 ppb range to determine the lowest detectable concentration using visual readout. If visual detection proves insufficient for required sensitivity, a fluorescent label substitution will be explored. The assay is not yet commercially available and will require further optimization and validation before deployment.