Journal of Infectious Disease and Pathology
Open Access

CRISPR-Cas; Diagnostics; Infectious Diseases; Point-of-Care; Biosensors; Pathogen Detection; Resource-Limited Settings; SARS-CoV-2

Introduction

CRISPR-Cas systems present a groundbreaking technology for molecular diagnostics, particularly in the context of infectious diseases. These platforms offer a unique capability for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective pathogen detection, especially vital at the point of care. The fundamental principles of CRISPR-Cas systems for diagnostic applications have been thoroughly explored, highlighting their capacity for effective pathogen identification. This research also delves into the various CRISPR-Cas types used in diagnostics, detailing their integration with amplification and reporting mechanisms crucial for resource-limited settings, where sensitivity and specificity are key concerns [1].

Various CRISPR-Cas biosensing platforms have been reviewed, focusing on their remarkable adaptability for diagnosing infectious diseases across diverse environments. This work emphasizes the development of user-friendly, portable, and highly sensitive detection methods that elegantly bypass the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment. This makes such systems especially valuable for areas with limited resources, where rapid, on-site pathogen identification is critically needed [2].

A primer article explains the intricate mechanisms and diverse applications of CRISPR-Cas systems within molecular diagnostics. It strongly emphasizes how these systems deliver highly sensitive and specific detection capabilities, solidifying their role as powerful tools for quick pathogen identification. The discussion also covers significant advancements that make their deployment feasible in decentralized settings, directly addressing the practical challenges of implementing advanced diagnostics where resources are scarce [3].

The latest developments in CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors specifically designed for infectious disease diagnosis are a major area of focus. These biosensors are detailed for their high specificity and sensitivity, positioning them as ideal candidates for point-of-care testing. The conversation largely centers on their potential to overcome existing limitations in traditional diagnostics, particularly within environments lacking robust infrastructure and skilled personnel, by reliably providing quick results [4].

Real-world applications of CRISPR-Cas systems demonstrate their effectiveness for rapid and accurate point-of-care detection, including for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory agents. This research highlights the successful development of diagnostic tools that are both cost-effective and easy to use, operating efficiently without extensive laboratory infrastructure. This makes them highly suitable for widespread deployment in resource-limited settings, crucial during outbreaks and for ongoing routine surveillance efforts [5].

Progress in developing CRISPR-Cas-powered biosensors for rapid and highly sensitive pathogen detection continues to advance. Various detection strategies are discussed, showcasing how they leverage CRISPR's specific nucleic acid targeting capabilities. There's a particular emphasis on designs that enable multiplexing and point-of-care applications, aiming to create portable, robust, and easy-to-interpret diagnostic tools essential for environments with limited resources [6].

Recent advancements in deploying CRISPR-Cas-based detection methods for infectious diseases directly at the point of care have been critically examined. This involves a focus on innovative designs aimed at reducing complexity and cost, thereby making these advanced diagnostics readily accessible even in resource-constrained environments. Authors consider the clinical utility and readiness of these platforms, seeking to bridge critical diagnostic gaps in global health initiatives [7].

A comprehensive review outlines the current state and explores future directions for CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies targeting infectious diseases. It investigates how these platforms effectively utilize genomic accuracy and rapid detection, rendering them highly suitable for deployment in settings that lack extensive laboratory infrastructure. The discussion thoughtfully includes both the inherent challenges and promising opportunities for further development, with the ultimate goal of enhancing global accessibility and effectiveness [8].

The design and utility of CRISPR-based biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics illustrate their significant impact. These devices integrate CRISPR's precise nucleic acid cleavage mechanisms with simplified readout methods, enabling rapid and accurate pathogen detection outside of central laboratories. The discourse underscores their cost-effectiveness and ease of use, establishing their suitability for deployment in resource-limited settings to achieve widespread public health benefits [9].

A comprehensive review surveys CRISPR-based detection methods specifically tailored for viral infections, highlighting their rapid turnaround time, exceptional sensitivity, and remarkable adaptability. It carefully explores how these innovations effectively overcome technical hurdles, thereby rendering them suitable for field deployment in resource-constrained areas. The paper details various CRISPR-Cas platforms and their seamless integration with portable readout systems, addressing the pressing global need for accessible viral diagnostics [10].

Description

CRISPR-Cas systems are revolutionizing molecular diagnostics by offering rapid, accurate, and cost-effective pathogen detection, particularly beneficial at the point of care [1, 3, 4]. These platforms leverage their precise nucleic acid targeting capabilities to provide highly sensitive and specific detection of infectious diseases [3, 4, 6]. The core principle involves various CRISPR-Cas types integrated with amplification and reporting mechanisms, designed to perform effectively even in resource-limited settings [1]. This innovation addresses a significant global health need for accessible diagnostics, moving beyond traditional laboratory requirements [2, 4, 7].

A key aspect of CRISPR-Cas diagnostics is their adaptability and suitability for diverse, decentralized settings. The development focuses on user-friendly, portable, and highly sensitive detection methods that eliminate the need for sophisticated lab equipment [2, 6, 9]. This makes them ideal for on-site pathogen identification in areas with limited resources, bridging diagnostic gaps where infrastructure and skilled personnel are scarce [4, 7, 8]. The ability to deliver quick and reliable results outside central laboratories is paramount for public health, especially during outbreaks and for routine surveillance [5, 9].

CRISPR-Cas technology has demonstrated practical success in detecting specific pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens, showcasing its utility in critical health scenarios [5]. The ongoing progress in CRISPR-Cas-powered biosensors emphasizes designs that enable multiplexing and point-of-care applications, moving towards robust and easy-to-interpret diagnostic tools [6]. These systems integrate precise nucleic acid cleavage with simplified readout methods, which significantly contributes to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use [9]. Furthermore, reviews highlight how these platforms effectively overcome technical hurdles, making them suitable for field deployment in challenging environments [10].

The critical examination of recent advances in CRISPR-Cas-based detection for infectious diseases at the point of care reveals a concerted effort to reduce complexity and cost, thereby increasing accessibility in resource-constrained environments [7]. These diagnostic technologies are seen as crucial for leveraging genomic accuracy and rapid detection, making them highly suitable for deployment where extensive laboratory infrastructure is absent [8]. The continued development includes addressing challenges and exploring opportunities to enhance global accessibility and effectiveness, outlining current status and future perspectives for these transformative diagnostic tools [8, 10]. This holistic approach is essential for achieving widespread public health benefits and addressing the global need for accessible diagnostics for various viral infections [9, 10].

Conclusion

CRISPR-Cas systems are emerging as powerful tools for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics, particularly for infectious diseases. These biosensing platforms leverage specific nucleic acid targeting capabilities, offering high sensitivity and specificity. The technology is invaluable for point-of-care detection, allowing quick, on-site pathogen identification without complex laboratory equipment. This makes CRISPR-Cas diagnostics highly suitable for resource-limited environments, addressing challenges in decentralized settings. Current advancements focus on developing user-friendly, portable, and cost-effective tools for widespread deployment, including during outbreaks and routine surveillance of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Reviews highlight progress in creating robust and easy-to-interpret diagnostic solutions, emphasizing innovative designs that reduce complexity. The utility extends to bridging diagnostic gaps in global health by offering accessible viral and general infectious disease detection. Continued development aims to enhance accessibility and effectiveness, outlining current status and future perspectives for these diagnostic technologies. Overall, CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics are poised to revolutionize how infectious diseases are managed globally.

References

1. Qun L, Xiaoxue L, Wenwu H (2020) CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of infectious diseases.Anal Bioanal Chem 412:5219-5229.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Yuqian Z, Ruofei Z, Feng Y (2021) CRISPR-Cas biosensing for infectious disease detection.Biosens Bioelectron 175:112879.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Benjamin HL, Robert JFJ, Jonathan SGPC (2023) CRISPR-Cas systems for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics.Nat Rev Methods Primers 3:36.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Jian L, Xue Z, Hao H (2022) Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors for infectious disease diagnosis.Anal Biochem 641:114569.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Feng L, Xiao-Qian W, Jun-Feng L (2021) CRISPR-Cas-based point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens.J Med Virol 93:2210-2218.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Jianbo H, Xiaobo G, Jiaqi T (2022) CRISPR-Cas-powered biosensors for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection.Biosens Bioelectron 216:114620.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Mengru Y, Mingming G, Hongxia L (2023) Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas-based detection for infectious diseases at the point-of-care.Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 60:443-460.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Yanan Z, Yali Y, Jinbo L (2023) Advances in CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies for infectious diseases: Current status and future perspectives.Biosens Bioelectron 228:115160.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Yongkai S, Lu Z, Wenbin Y (2022) CRISPR-based biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics.Biosens Bioelectron 202:113947.

   Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Yingjie L, Xiaohui Z, Guofang W (2021) CRISPR-based detection methods for viral infections: A comprehensive review.J Med Virol 93:669-680.

    Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref