Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

10:16
Point-of-care CRISPR-based Diagnostics with Premixed and Freeze-dried Reagents
Published on: August 16, 2024
CRISPR/Cas‑driven biosensing: molecular mechanisms and advances in diagnostics.
Qamar Abuhassan1, Hamzeh J Al-Ameer2, Tushar B Gajjar3
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
Molecular Biology Reports
|May 27, 2026
Summary
CRISPR-based biosensors offer precise DNA detection for diagnostics. This review classifies these systems and highlights advances in sensitivity and multiplexing for improved health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- CRISPR-Cas systems, known for programmable DNA targeting, are repurposed for biosensing.
- Cas effector proteins (e.g., Cas9, Cas12) offer specificity and collateral cleavage for DNA detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically classify CRISPR-Cas biosensors based on their mechanisms.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of CRISPR-Cas biosensor evolution and applications.
- To highlight recent advances and future directions in CRISPR-based diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Classification of CRISPR-Cas biosensors based on mechanism.
- Analysis of CRISPR-Cas systems integrated with signal transduction strategies (optical and electrochemical).
- Review of amplification strategies (RCA, EXPAR) and multiplex detection.
Main Results:
- CRISPR-Cas biosensors enable highly sensitive detection (attomolar-femtomolar range) of various biomarkers.
- Integration with optical and electrochemical platforms enhances detection capabilities.
- Advances include ultra-sensitive, multiplex, and point-of-care detection strategies.
Conclusions:
- CRISPR-Cas biosensors represent a significant advancement in DNA diagnostics.
- These platforms show promise for early disease diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and improved global health.
- Further research is needed to address scalability and translational challenges for clinical application.
Related Concept Videos
CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
The CRISPR-Cas system serves as a bacterial defense mechanism against invading genetic elements such as viruses and plasmids, forming the foundation for its adaptation as a powerful genome-editing tool. Originally discovered in prokaryotes, this system has been repurposed to revolutionize genetic engineering across a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. The core component, Cas9, is an endonuclease derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, capable of introducing...
CRISPR and crRNAs
Bacteria and archaea are susceptible to viral infections just like eukaryotes; therefore, they have developed a unique adaptive immune system to protect themselves. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) are present in more than 45% of known bacteria and 90% of known archaea.
The CRISPR-Cas system stores a copy of foreign DNA in the host genome and uses it to identify the foreign DNA upon reinfection. CRISPR-Cas has three different...
The CRISPR-Cas system stores a copy of foreign DNA in the host genome and uses it to identify the foreign DNA upon reinfection. CRISPR-Cas has three different...
CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
Microbial Biosensors
Microbial biosensors are analytical devices that utilize living microbes to detect specific substances through measurable signals. These devices consist of two main components: biosensing organisms and signal-transducing elements. Biosensing organisms, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are typically housed in multiwell plates connected to transducers, enabling rapid, real-time detection of target analytes.Signal Generation MechanismWhen a target analyte—such as...
The Antiviral System of Bacteria and Archaea: CRISPR
CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats is a adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea that protects against viral infections. This system enables prokaryotic cells to identify, remember, and neutralize foreign genetic elements, primarily bacteriophages, by storing fragments of the invader’s DNA as a genetic memory.The CRISPR immune response begins during an initial infection. Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins play a central role in this defense.

