Crispr-cas based biosensing: A fast-expanding molecular diagnostic tool

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic sequences (CRISPR)-Cas is one of the most promising gene editing systems. Defined by its specificity, sensitivity, and high base resolution for nucleic acid recognition, CRISPR-Cas has emerged as a tool of choice for biosensing. Biosensing via CRISPR-Cas utilizes the trans-cleavage activity of effectors on various nano-platforms so that different targets, such as viral and bacterial infections, genetic mutations, and tumor biomarkers, could be detected. Various sensing methods employed in these sensors include fluorescence, colorimetric, luminescence resonance, and electrochemical readouts. CRISPR-Cas biosensing offers multiple possibilities for multiplex diagnosis of different diseases by detecting many analytes from one specimen. In this review, we have explored recent advances in CRISPR-based biosensors. Due to their high accuracy and versatility, CRISPR-Cas biosensing displays next-generation point-of-care (POC) diagnostics of multiple targets. The combinations of CRISPR-Cas withmicrofluidictechniques powerfully integrate enhanced analytical sensitivity, portability, shortened detection time, more straightforward automation, scale-up, and integration of lab steps in one device (lab-on-a-chip). This review summarizes the potential of CRISPR-Cas-based biosensor technology in the early and precise diagnosis of viral and bacterial diseases and cancer biomarkers, which could further open up avenues for efficient and specific therapeutic regimens.