Membranes for Lateral Flow Tests
Nupore produces highly consistent and optimized Nitrocellulose (NC) membranes for lateral flow tests. A wide variety of membranes are available in roll form as standard products to meet various needs.
Types Available
Membranes are directly cast on a transparent polyester backing to improve the handling strength. Standard polyester film is 100 µm thick, although other thickness can be available on order.
Specifications :
| Type LFNC - C | Lower protein binding |
| Type LFNC - H | Higher protein binding |
| Type LFNC - F | Highest protein binding |
Technical Data
The wicking rate is an important characteristic of NC membrane for lateral flow tests and primarily determines the reaction kinetics. Nupore membranes are designated by pore size/wicking rate and have reproducible and defined wicking rates. The wicking rate of blocked membranes will, however, depend on the blocking protocol.
Ordering Information :
| Type | Rating (µm) | Membrane Thickness (µm) | 4cm Wicking Time (Sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFNC-C | 8 | 100 | 160 |
| 10 | 100 | 130 | |
| 12 | 100 | 100 | |
| 15 | 100 | 80 | |
| LFNC - H | 12 | 100 | 100 |
| 15 | 100 | 80 | |
| LFNC - F | 90 | 100 | 90 |
| 130 | 100 | 130 | |
| 150 | 100 | 150 | |
| 170 | 100 | 170 |
Storage
Nupore recommends storage of membrane rolls at 15°C to 20°C for longer shelf life. The membrane rolls should be kept away from heat radiators. The membrane is inflammable when subjected to direct heat.
How to select
Selection of membrane depends on the assay. Highest sensitivity is obtained with smaller pore size (slower wicking rate). For high affinity Ag/Ab reaction, use of bigger pore size (faster wicking rates) can result in faster test with adequate sensitivity.
Blocking of Membranes
Although wet blocking of membrane (dipping the membrane in solution and drying) is cumbersome and adds cost to the production process, it is sometimes necessary to achieve important assay requirements such as stabilizing the Ab, reducing non-specific reaction, improving the wicking front, and migration of particles etc. Many excellent assays, however, can be made without wet blocking the membrane. All Nupore membranes exhibit extremely stable wicking rates with time without blocking and can be used successfully for making assays without blocking.
