An overview of CRISPR-artificial intelligence theranostics: Current and emerging applications

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based diagnostics are revolutionizing precision medicine by enabling highly sensitive detection of nucleic acid and protein biomarkers. Building on these capabilities, CRISPR-based theranostics now aim to unify real-time disease detection with targeted therapeutic interventions. However, traditional CRISPR diagnostics face several limitations, including restricted multiplexing, off-target effects, and challenges in delivery efficiency. To overcome these issues, artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced CRISPR platforms by enabling intelligent guide RNA (gRNA) design, interpretation of complex biosensor outputs, and facilitation of rapid clinical decision-making. Machine learning tools such as DeepCRISPR, Azimuth 2.0, DeepHF, and CRISPRpred support the development of highly specific gRNAs, reduce off-target events, and personalize genome-editing strategies based on individual genomic profiles. Recently, by combining CRISPR systems with nanomaterials, fluorescence-based detection, and electrochemical sensing, researchers have developed advanced biosensors capable of detecting a broad spectrum of disease biomarkers, from cancer-associated nucleic acids to viral and genetic disorders. These advances support both diagnostics and gene therapy, enabling accurate, low-cost testing at home, in point-of-care settings, and in resource-limited environments. Together, the integration of AI and CRISPR is accelerating biomarker discovery and the development of intelligent, adaptive therapeutic platforms. New point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCTs) based on CRISPR-AI are essential for early screening of high-mortality diseases, and CRISPR-based diagnostic assays have emerged as powerful, versatile alternatives to traditional nucleic acid tests, offering rapid, programmable, and portable diagnostic solutions. This review explores the evolution of CRISPR-AI theranostic systems, current and emerging POCT applications. It highlights the technological, clinical, and ethical challenges shaping their translation into next-generation precision diagnostics.