A team of researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a point-of-care testing (POCT) system based on microfluidic CRISPR-Dx technology, significantly improving the sensitivity, speed, and multiplexing capability of pathogen detection.

The related findings were published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics.  

CRISPR/Cas-based molecular diagnostics can precisely detect specific gene sequences in pathogens, including genetic mutations and abnormalities, providing important information for disease diagnosis and treatment. Although it offers high accuracy and is considered a promising alternative to polymerase chain reaction, it has limitations like low sensitivity, limited capacity, and the need for multiple lab instruments, making it challenging for rapid and convenient multi-pathogen detection in point-of-care settings.

To address these challenges, the researchers combined microfluidic chips with CRISPR/Cas12a technology to create a dual-stage system that separates the amplification and detection processes. This separation, along with a two-stage centrifugation method, prevents contamination during testing. The system also allows for customizable detection channels based on the number of pathogens, improving sensitivity and the ability to test multiple pathogens at once.

The Lift-CM POCT analysis system, which includes a heating platform, centrifugation module, and real-time fluorescence detection. It is compact, easy to use, and controlled by a smartphone APP, reducing the need for multiple lab instruments. This makes CRISPR-Dx technology more practical in resource-limited settings.

"Lift-CM is faster and easier to use than traditional CRISPR methods," said Dr. ZHU Cancan, a team member.  "It's great for accurately detecting viruses like influenza and Ebola." 

The entire process, from amplification to detection, takes just 30 minutes, making it a fast and effective solution for pathogen detection in emergency situations, disease screening, and home health monitoring.

This breakthrough offers new hope for early diagnosis, faster response times, and ultimately, better healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Schematic diagram of Lift-CM platform workflow (Image by ZHU Cancan)