CRISPR/Cas12a-Based Biosensors for Rapid Detection of Carbapenem Resistance Genes: Recent Advances and Point-of-Care Prospects
Abstract
Carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria require rapid detection of resistance determinants to support clinical microbiology and infection-control decisions. CRISPR/Cas12a biosensors offer sequence-specific recognition coupled with collateral cleavage of single-stranded DNA reporters, enabling fluorescence and lateral-flow detection. This focused narrative review examines 11 representative primary studies published between 2020 and 2026, comparing amplification strategies, analytical sensitivity, validation materials, assay configurations, and point-of-care potential. Most platforms target blaKPC and blaNDM, with more limited coverage of blaOXA-48-like, blaVIM, and blaIMP. Reported analytical detection limits vary substantially across purified DNA, cultured isolates, and spiked matrices, limiting direct comparison. Although selected studies report high agreement with molecular reference methods, clinical validation frequently involves small, predefined populations. Recent closed-tube and one-pot configurations reduce handling requirements, but complete sample-to-answer performance remains inconsistently evaluated. Further prospective validation using representative patient specimens, broader gene coverage, internal controls, and standardized reporting is required before routine clinical implementation.
Keywords
CRISPR/Cas12a, Biosensor, Antimicrobial resistance, Carbapenem resistance, Carbapenemase genes, - Point-of-care diagnostics
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
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