Split technology in sensors based on CRISPR/Cas12a system

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas12a system has become a popular tool for nucleic acid analysis in recent years due to its high specificity, sensitivity and programmability. Recently, split technology has been applied to the CRISPR/Cas12a system for activators, crRNA, reporter and Cas12a. As a result, dsDNA without PAM, short ssDNA less than 15 nucleotides, and RNA can be directly detected, which are beyond the target scope of the canonical CRISPR/Cas12a system. Label-free reporter with lower cost can be incorporated into sensors based on the CRISPR/Cas12a system. Logic circuits with multiple inputs and outputs can be constructed in cells. Therefore, split technology can expand the target scope, enhance crRNA stability, increase strategy programmability, and reduce detection cost for the CRISPR/Cas12a system. In this review, we focus on the advancements of split technology in sensors based on the CRISPR/Cas12a system. We also summarize the advantages brought by split technology and discuss the challenges and perspectives of sensors based on the CRISPR/Cas12a system.

Keywords: CRISPR; Cas12a; Sensor; Split.