A color-changing gold nanoparticle test using CRISPR to detect harmful bacteria by eye in medical samples

The biosensor achieved a detection limit of 10 CFU/reaction for Pseudomonas aeruginosa within 2 hours.

• A CRISPR/Cas12a-based colorimetric biosensor was developed for detecting pathogenic bacteria.
• The biosensor utilizes Cas12a's ability to release specific DNA that interacts with nanoparticles, leading to a visible color change.
• Testing with spiked sputum and blood samples demonstrated excellent specificity and robustness.
• Clinical testing on 32 blood samples resulted in high diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 1 in ROC curve analysis.
• The platform's characteristics suggest potential for use in rapid infectious disease diagnostics in low-resource settings.

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