Harnessing the power of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based microfluidics for next-generation molecular diagnostics

Abstract

CRISPR-based (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based) technologies have revolutionized molecular biology and diagnostics, offering unprecedented precision and versatility. However, challenges remain, such as high costs, demanding technical expertise, and limited quantification capabilities. To overcome these limitations, innovative microfluidic platforms are emerging as powerful tools for enhancing CRISPR diagnostics. This review explores the exciting intersection of CRISPR and microfluidics, highlighting their potential to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics. By integrating CRISPR's specificity with microfluidics' miniaturization and automation, researchers are developing more sensitive and portable diagnostic tools for a range of diseases. These microfluidic devices streamline sample processing, improve diagnostic performance, and enable point-of-care applications, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of pathogens, genetic disorders, and other health conditions. The review discusses various CRISPR/Cas systems, including Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, and their integration with microfluidic platforms. It also examines the advantages and limitations of these systems, highlighting their potential for detecting DNA and RNA biomarkers. The review also explores the key challenges in developing and implementing CRISPR-driven microfluidic diagnostics, such as ensuring robustness, minimizing cross-contamination, and achieving robust quantification. Finally, it highlights potential future directions for this rapidly evolving field, emphasizing the transformative potential of these technologies for personalized medicine and global health.

Keywords: Biosensor; CRISPR/Cas; Diagnostic assays; Lab on chip; Microfluidics.