Quantum dot molecular beacons achieve sub-10 pM CRISPR-Cas detection in field-ready assays.

ABSTRACT: CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized molecular diagnostics through their specificity and programmability, yet their broad adoption is hindered by the reliance on expensive and complex instrumentation. Here, we present an optimized quantum dot (QD) molecular beacon (QD-MB) platform that integrates Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based detection with CRISPR-Cas functionality, achieving sub-picomolar sensitivity without the need for target amplification. By systematically tuning components, including His-tag modifications for improved QD conjugation, nucleic acid hairpin structures for enhanced enzyme interaction, and QD surface passivation strategies, we demonstrate a two-order-of-magnitude improvement in detection sensitivity. Using LwaCas13a and RNA targets, the limit of detecti

SUBMITTER: Lysne DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313975 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature