Advancements in CRISPR-diagnostic techniques for rapid on-site monitoring of environmental virus

Abstract

Highly sensitive and rapid environmental surveillance is crucial due to the significant role of various environmental media in transmitting multiple viruses. Specifically, when examining the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such surveillance not only provides early warning information for epidemic prevention and control but also enhances our understanding of transmission pathways from an environmental perspective. To achieve effective surveillance, rapid screening techniques are essential to detect and prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. The integration of isothermal amplification with the CRISPR-Cas system, coupled with advancements in amplification-free technologies, has revolutionized the direct visual detection of environmental viruses at testing sites. However, currently, this emerging technology is mainly utilized in clinical diagnosis due to interdisciplinary barriers and the complexities associated with environmental samples. This review aims to bridge the gap by introducing CRISPR-based molecular diagnosis techniques into practical environmental screening demands. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental surveillance process and explores the development of timely detection technology. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of portable devices, data interpretation, and sharing for real-time and on-site surveillance of environmental viruses, thereby improving preparedness for future potential pandemics.