Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025

06:55
Simple Bulk Readout of Digital Nucleic Acid Quantification Assays
Published on: September 24, 2015
8.4K
Digital CRISPR Systems for the Next Generation of Nucleic Acid Quantification
Anthony J Politza1, Reza Nouri2, Weihua Guan1,2,3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
Trends in Analytical Chemistry : TRAC
|February 6, 2023
Summary
Digital CRISPR (dCRISPR) assays offer enhanced sensitivity and absolute quantification for molecular diagnostics. These dCRISPR systems are poised to lead the field with rapid, ultra-specific detection methods.
Area of Science:
- Molecular diagnostics
- Biotechnology
- Biosensing
Background:
- CRISPR detection assays are advancing molecular diagnostics.
- Digital platforms enhance sensitivity and enable absolute quantification.
- dCRISPR systems offer isothermal operation and rapid detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize common Cas proteins in CRISPR detection.
- To examine digital detection methods and performance factors.
- To outline strategies for dCRISPR systems.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of dCRISPR systems into three strategies: amplification-free, in-partition amplification, and two-stage amplification.
- Evaluation of critical performance factors including limit of detection (LOD), testing time, and figure of merit (FOM).
Main Results:
- Comparison of the performance of different dCRISPR systems based on LOD, testing time, and FOM.
- Identification of key strategies shaping the dCRISPR landscape.
Conclusions:
- Digital CRISPR (dCRISPR) platforms provide a robust framework for molecular diagnostics.
- Future improvements in LOD and dynamic range will establish dCRISPR as a leading biosensing technology.

