These signal artifacts were noted as absent in HER2-negative controls, indicating perturbation of mass transport at the edge regions of test strips. We theorise that this originates from the compression of pores which results from membrane cutting during test strip preparation. Using 150 nm FluoroPerAuNPs to highlight the potential of our 'capture-and-release' AmpliFold approach, we hypothesised that, through using a large capture area to circumvent poor capture affinity, we could subsequently capitalise on our cleave and re-bind strategy to yield significantly improved signal-to-noise. When evaluated against the 'traditional' LFA approach, our optimised AmpliFold assay was shown to detect HER2 antigen with a roughly 12-fold sensitivity enhancement at a LOD of 0.716 ng/mL (95% CI of 0.45 to 1.14 ng/mL) (Figure ). (1 mg/mL PSA). c. Dose-response data comparing the use of 150 nm FluoroPerAuNPs in a traditional 'uncleaved' LFA format and an optimised 'capture-and-release' AmpliFold assay when detecting HER2 antigen spiked in controlled buffer conditions. Data was collected in triplicate (except blanks where N=6) and plotted using a four-parameter logistic fit.