Rapid Detection of Superbugs Using CRISPR-Cas System

Early detection of superbugs, also known as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, is critical to the control and treatment of infections. A simple and rapid test can provide more information for early treatment of bacterial infections. The detection of relevant molecules has higher sensitivity and greater specificity. Diagnostic technologies based on the CRISPR-Cas system have been rapidly developed in recent years. So how should these systems be designed to detect superbugs quickly and reliably?

As experts in the field of superbug research, Ace Infectious helps scientists design CRISPR-Cas systems to specifically distinguish and detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thereby developing new methods for superbug diagnosis.

Strategy for Superbug Detection Using CRISPR-Cas System
CRISPR-Cas systems can be used to detect nucleic acids and biomarkers in bacteria or viruses. For extracted and amplified pathogenic nucleic acids, the corresponding CRISPR-Cas system can recognize and cleave them. Then, quantitative detection of pathogens is achieved by fluorescence or other methods. CRISPR-Cas system can differentiate pathogen genotypes and SNPs and is a simple, time-saving, and highly specific diagnostic method compared to traditional nucleic acid detection.

Bacterial detection based on CRISPR-Cas system.Fig. 1 Bacterial detection based on CRISPR-Cas system. (Wu Y, et al., 2021)

Detection Services of Superbugs by CRISPR-Cas
Our service is dedicated to the design of CRISPR as a fast, accurate and intelligent diagnostic tool for superbugs. We offer a wide range of studies that encompass different CRISPR-Cas systems, using their mechanism of action as a recognition tool. Ultimately, we develop CRISPR-Cas system-based technologies for the detection of drug-resistant bacteria. Specific development services include, but are not limited to, the following.

DNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems
We can provide Cas9, Cas12 and Cas14 based CRISPR systems designed to identify specific resistance genes and generate sequence information, which can detect a variety of pathogens. These include E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, etc.

RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems
We offer design of Cas13 protein-based CRISPR systems that recognize and cleave ssRNAs, indicating the presence of target RNAs by releasing signals. In our service, we include the use of various bioinformatics tools that can improve the design of sgRNAs and the structure of Cas enzymes.

Nanoparticles and CRISPR-Cas system-based
We consider the unique excellent properties of nanoparticles based in combination with the CRISPR system to exploit the great potential in superbug detection. We are working to develop a platform for tissue-specific vector delivery systems to identify multiple drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.