Brightline Diagnostics combines novel technologies in a new lateral flow test and reader platform to deliver lab sensitivity at point-of-care

Two highly innovative UK companies, Stream Bio and Chelsea Technologies, have formed a joint venture, Brightline Diagnostics (DX), to create a unique platform that can be applied to a wide range of diagnostic targets.

Brightline DX’s Claritas platform couples a novel fluorescent lateral flow test with a highly sensitive reader, delivering significant advantages over existing assays. The resulting test platform will be cost effective, rapid (providing quantitative results within minutes), simple to use and applicable to testing in all environments with a robust portable reader. It will also allow batch processing of tests in a laboratory setting, with each test taking only a second or two to be read.

The Claritas lateral flow test incorporates Stream Bio’s exceptionally bright and stable Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticle (CPN) labels. With superior properties compared to other labels, the intense brightness of CPNs makes them highly sensitive in specific target, and low analyte, detection.

The Claritas reader is based on handheld active fluorometric test devices proven in Chelsea Technologies environmental and agritech applications. Adapted to the Claritas diagnostic platform, it delivers a superior sensitivity compared with currently available devices.

Bringing together a highly sensitive and stable lateral flow test with superior reader technology delivers a test system with significant advantages over those presently available. With the potential to deliver results equivalent to lab-based techniques in a rapid point-of-care system, this represents a step change in testing.

Andrew Chaloner, CEO at Stream Bio, said: “We are very excited to embark on this joint venture with Chelsea. Our partnership combines unique and innovative technologies to deliver a pioneering rapid diagnostic platform with many potential applications. We are proud to be developing solutions to current healthcare challenges and excited for the possibilities that the Claritas platform presents.”

Elizabeth Paull, Managing Director at Chelsea Technologies, said: “We are delighted to be working with Stream Bio to develop such an exciting and innovative new platform. The collaboration brings together expertise from different sectors to address some of the foremost challenges of our time, revolutionising point of care diagnostics and making ground-breaking advances in environmental monitoring.”

Brightline DX’s initial focus is on defined targets within healthcare which includes COVID-19, with plans to expand the capabilities of Claritas to the environmental sector, an approach which capitalises on the strengths of both Stream and Chelsea.

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