Advanced research and exploration of CRISPR technology in the field of directed evolution

Abstract

Directed molecular evolution is the key technology for obtaining enzymes, proteins, metabolic pathways, and other components of living organisms that have specific functions or desirable properties, which are indispensable in a variety of industrial and medical applications. Despite the success of traditional methods, they are often limited by low efficiency and the high cost of obtaining desired mutants. The advent of CRISPR technology has significantly advanced the field by enabling precise and efficient gene targeting, offering new prospects for directed evolution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR tools and their applications in directed evolution, highlighting the principles, technological advancements, and specific applications of CRISPR-based mutation and screening platforms. We discuss the key findings from the use of CRISPR in enzyme and genome evolution, showcasing its ability to generate genetic diversity and select for improved phenotypes. The study underscores the unique value of CRISPR in directed evolution, particularly in its flexibility to target and edit various species' genomes, and its potential to accelerate the discovery of novel biomolecules with enhanced properties.