A one-tube dual-readout biosensor for detection of nucleic acids and non-nucleic acids using CRISPR-ALP tandem assay

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based diagnostics have been considered a next-generation molecular diagnosis tool. Single-readout mode has been extensively employed in massive CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensors. In this work, we propose a one-tube dual-readout biosensor (CRISAT) for the first time for the detection of ultrasensitive nucleic acids and non-nucleic acids developed by harnessing CRISPR-ALP tandem assay. In the presence of a target, Cas12a is activated to randomly cut the single-stranded hyDNA sequence of MB@hyDNA-cALP, thus releasing abundant alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the supernatant solution. By using 4-aminophenol phosphate as the substrate of ALP, p-aminophenol is produced, which then reacts with N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine or diethylenetriamine to generate silicon-containing polymer carbon dots (Si PCDs) or polymer carbon dots (PCDs) in situ, which can be observed by the naked eye or detected using a fluorescent device in the same solution. Using this strategy, a fluorescence and colorimetry dual-readout nanoplatform for CRISPR-based biosensors can be rationally developed. We ascertain the applicability of CRISAT by detecting the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, achieving superior sensitivity and specificity. With simple modification of crRNAs, the CRISAT platform can also be employed to detect monkeypox virus (MPXV) and non-nucleic acids of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This work shows great potential for the detection of nucleic acids and non-nucleic acids.

Automated summary

In this study, a one-tube dual-readout biosensor (CRISAT) was developed using CRISPR-ALP tandem assay for the detection of ultrasensitive nucleic acids and non-nucleic acids. By activating Cas12a to cut the hyDNA sequence, abundant ALP is released, leading to the generation of Si PCDs or PCDs. This method offers a fluorescence and colorimetry dual-readout nanoplatform for CRISPR-based biosensors with high sensitivity and specificity.