Sensitive detection of genetically modified maize based on a CRISPR/Cas12a system.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biosensing

Background:

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are increasingly prevalent due to advances in biotechnology.
• Effective supervision and administration of GMOs necessitate rapid and accurate detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate GMO gene-specific sensing methods utilizing the CRISPR/Cas12a system.
• To enable rapid and accurate detection of specific transgenes in crops.

Main Methods:

• Development of colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing platforms.
• Leveraging the lateral branch cleavage function of the CRISPR/Cas12a system for gene detection.
• Targeting specific transgenes (pCaMV35S and M810 Cry1Ab) in maize samples.

Main Results:

• Successful distinction between transgenic and non-transgenic maize leaves using both developed methods.
• Colorimetric method demonstrated utility for rapid, economical, and field-based detection.
• SERS approach achieved high sensitivity (down to 100 fM), suitable for laboratory analysis.

Conclusions:

• The proposed colorimetric and SERS methods offer practical solutions for transgenic detection.
• These techniques are valuable tools for the effective supervision and administration of GMOs.
• The study highlights the versatility of CRISPR/Cas12a in developing advanced biosensing applications.