The Ustar Disposable Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow Detection Device (CO2040), supplied by Attogene, is a closed-system nucleic acid lateral flow detection device for reading amplified DNA or RNA by eye. After amplification, the sealed reaction tube goes into the cartridge and locks into the device, so amplified product never leaves the closed system. Results appear as visible lines in 15 to 30 minutes, with no instruments, gels or toxic stains. Each kit contains 20 individually pouched devices.
Because amplicons stay contained, the device greatly reduces the risk of carry-over contamination and false positives compared with opening tubes for gel electrophoresis.
Key Features
- Closed system: the reaction tube is locked inside the cartridge, keeping amplicons out of the lab environment.
- Visual read in 15 to 30 minutes: no gel, imager or stain required.
- Works with common amplification methods: PCR, LAMP, cross priming amplification (CPA) and other nucleic acid amplification chemistries.
- CRISPR-Cas compatible: reads Cas12 or Cas13 trans-cleavage assays that use dual-labeled reporters carrying biotin plus 6-FAM (or FITC).
- Simple labeling scheme: one primer or probe carries biotin and the other carries 6-FAM or FITC.
- Built-in control line: the C line confirms each strip ran correctly.
- Flexible storage: store at 2 °C to 30 °C, no freezer needed.
What’s in the Kit
Each nucleic acid lateral flow detection device kit includes:
- Detection devices: 20, each individually sealed in an aluminum pouch with desiccant
- Spare wash buffer bulbs: 2
- Instruction book: 1
Storage: 2 °C to 30 °C. Do not freeze.
You will also need: your amplification reagents, with primers, probes or reporters labeled with biotin plus 6-FAM or FITC, and a thermocycler or heat block for the amplification step.
Who It’s For
The device suits molecular biology labs and assay developers running PCR, LAMP, CPA or CRISPR-based detection who want a quick visual answer without running a gel. It is especially useful where amplicon contamination is a concern, such as shared labs without a dedicated post-amplification area.
How to Use the Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow Detection Device
- Amplify: run your PCR, LAMP, CPA or CRISPR-Cas reaction with a biotin label plus a 6-FAM (or FITC) label, so both are incorporated into the target amplicon or reporter.
- Open the pouch: remove one device from its aluminum pouch and open it, ready to load the amplification tube.
- Load the tube: place the closed reaction tube into the cartridge. Do not open the tube.
- Lock the device: close the cartridge and lock it into the device as described in the instruction book.
- Read: read the Test (T) and Control (C) lines after 15 to 30 minutes.
- Dispose: discard the used device as a sealed unit, following your lab’s waste procedures.
Follow the instruction book supplied with the kit for the exact loading and locking sequence.
How It Works
The detection strip uses an antibody-based immunochromatographic sandwich format. Amplicons labeled with both biotin and 6-FAM (or FITC) are captured at the Test line, which turns red when the target is present. The Control line appears in every valid test.
When you design your own assay, label one primer or probe with biotin and the other with 6-FAM or FITC so that both labels end up in the same amplicon. For open-format strip testing during assay development, see Attogene NALF barcode test strips and the Universal Lateral Flow Assay Kit.
Reading Results
- Target detected (amplicon format): both the C line and the red T line appear.
- Target not detected: only the C line appears.
- Invalid: no C line appears. The result cannot be interpreted, so repeat the test.
- CRISPR reporter-cleavage formats: the T line weakens or disappears when the target is present. Interpret results according to your assay protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which amplification methods work with the nucleic acid lateral flow detection device?
PCR, LAMP, cross priming amplification (CPA) and other nucleic acid amplification methods, as long as the amplicon carries both a biotin label and a 6-FAM or FITC label. CRISPR-Cas assays with dual-labeled reporters can also be read.
Do I need to open the reaction tube?
No. The sealed tube goes straight into the cartridge, which is what keeps amplicons contained and reduces cross-contamination.
How long does it take to get a result?
Results can be read visually in 15 to 30 minutes.
How should I store the devices?
Store the nucleic acid lateral flow detection device kit at 2 °C to 30 °C and do not freeze. Each device is sealed in its own pouch with desiccant.
Why does the T line disappear in my CRISPR assay?
In reporter-cleavage formats, the Cas enzyme cuts the dual-labeled reporter when the target is present, so less intact reporter reaches the Test line. A weaker or absent T line indicates the target.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Questions? Call 512-333-1330 or email sales@attogene.com.
