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URBANA, IL – Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a revolutionary CRISPR-based diagnostic test capable of detecting pathogens in blood with unprecedented sensitivity, all without the need for traditional nucleic acid amplification. This breakthrough, led by Bioengineering professor and The Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, promises to significantly expedite the diagnosis of infections, including those caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
The findings, published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), detail a novel approach that overcomes a significant limitation of existing CRISPR-based diagnostics. Traditionally, these tests rely on a preamplification step to detect pathogens present at low concentrations. Bashir’s team has eliminated this requirement by engineering a “CRISPR-Cascade” system.
The newly developed test utilizes two distinct CRISPR/Cas units. The first unit, guided by a specific RNA, targets the pathogen’s genetic material. Upon cleavage of specially engineered nucleic acids, the released fragments activate the second CRISPR/Cas unit, creating a positive feedback loop. This cascade effect dramatically amplifies the signal, resulting in a high signal-to-noise ratio and enabling the detection of even minute amounts of pathogen DNA.
“This is a significant step forward in diagnostic technology,” stated Professor Bashir. “Our CRISPR-Cascade system allows for rapid and highly sensitive detection of pathogens, bypassing the time-consuming amplification process. This could revolutionize the way we diagnose infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”
The team demonstrated the test’s efficacy by detecting multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus DNA at concentrations orders of magnitude lower than conventional single-Cas CRISPR tests, all without prior amplification. Furthermore, the test provided a simple “yes/no” result for the presence of various bloodstream pathogens in spiked samples, paving the way for rapid, point-of-care diagnostics.
The researchers believe this technology holds immense potential for developing diagnostic tools that can deliver results within minutes, enabling faster and more effective treatment decisions.
“The ability to detect pathogens directly from blood, without amplification, could have a profound impact on patient care,” said a researcher involved in the study. “This technology could lead to earlier diagnoses, improved patient outcomes, and a more effective response to infectious disease outbreaks.”
The research team plans to further refine and validate the test for broader clinical applications, aiming to make this groundbreaking technology available for widespread use in the near future.
More information: Jongwon Lim et al, Amplification-free, OR-gated CRISPR-Cascade reaction for pathogen detection in blood samples, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2420166122
Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided and is intended for informational purposes only. The research described is still in development, and further testing and validation are required before clinical applications. The information should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns. The reported publication date of 2025 is based on the information provided.
