Research Progress on Signal Conversion Based on Aptamer Combined CRISPR/Cas System in Biosensors

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biosensing

Background:

• CRISPR/Cas systems are versatile tools in biology, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
• Their combination with isothermal amplification and trans-cleavage ability enables advanced biosensing.
• Functional nucleic acids, particularly aptamers, convert non-nucleic acid targets into detectable nucleic acid signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of CRISPR/Cas protein mechanisms.
• To explain aptamer generation and their role in signal conversion.
• To review the combined applications of aptamer-based signal conversion and CRISPR/Cas systems in biosensing.

Main Methods:

• Overview of four Cas protein mechanisms.
• Description of aptamer generation techniques (e.g., direct detection, sandwich design).
• Review of research on aptamer-CRISPR/Cas based biosensors.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas systems can detect a wide range of targets beyond nucleic acids, including ions, proteins, and pathogens.
• Aptamers effectively convert various substances into programmable nucleic acid sequences.
• Combined aptamer-CRISPR/Cas systems show significant progress in biosensor development.

Conclusions:

• The integration of aptamers and CRISPR/Cas systems represents a significant advancement in biosensor technology.
• This combination broadens the scope of detectable targets for various applications.
• Further research in aptamer-CRISPR/Cas biosensors promises enhanced detection capabilities.