Overview

The Bio-Gentle Autumn School (30 September–3 October 2025, Lancaster University) brings together leading experts to explore biomolecules, their properties, and industrial applications. Across four days, participants will gain insights into macromolecules of industrial and diagnostic importance, biopharmaceutical products, and membrane biofouling. IChemE will stream selected highlights, including Professor Cristiana Boi (University of Bologna) on industrial macromolecules and biopharmaceutical molecules, Dr Antoine Kemperman (University of Twente) on biofouling in membrane separations, and Dr Lucy Beales (Global Access Diagnostics) on macromolecules in the diagnostic sector.

This training fosters cross-disciplinary learning at the interface of biology, chemistry, and engineering. Lateral flow diagnostics are central to globally accessible health care. They align with the REASSURED principles of Real-time connectivity (via low cost readers and apps), Ease of specimen collection, Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free (or simple), and Deliverable to end-users. The quality of biomolecules used in the development and manufacture of the lateral flow assay is central to achieving the desired specificity and sensitivity.

Proteins represent the most commonly used biomolecules in lateral flow assays both as analytes and as detection reagents. Antibodies are usually employed to capture analytes at a specific line on a nitrocellulose support and as conjugates with nanoparticles (gold, latex beads etc.) to detect the analyte by forming a coloured line. Alternatively, in a serology test, the antibody becomes the analyte with which may be captured using the corresponding antibody. Other biomolecules used in the lateral flow assay include those used as analytes such as nucleic acids, lipopolysaccharides, hormones as well as alternative detection reagents such as RNA based aptamers. This presentation explores the design, expression and purification of antigens, antibody development and the selection of antibody pairs for use in the lateral flow assay for various biomolecule targets.

Speaker

Lucy Beales, Molecular Programme Manager, Global Access Diagnostics

Lucy is a molecular biologist with a background in applied biology from the University of the West of England and a PhD in virology attained at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Leeds and the University of Texas Medical Branch focused on viral translation and host cell disruption, where she developed advanced protein engineering skills. These techniques were later applied to the design and production of chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) for vaccine development and diagnostics. Currently, she leads protein engineering and molecular diagnostics at Global Access Diagnostics as Programme Manager for innovative diagnostic development.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenters' own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the North Lancashire Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.