Coordination chemistry in CRISPR-Cas-based point of care testing: A review of molecular probe development and applications

Coordination chemistry studies metal complexes and their interactions with ligands, and it has emerged as a powerful tool in developing molecular probes for CRISPR-Cas-based point-of-care testing (POCT) systems. For instance, metal complexes like ruthenium and platinum have been used to selectively bind and detect specific nucleic acid sequences. These complexes can act as molecular beacons, fluorescent dyes, colorimetric and luminescence probes, and electrochemical tags, which allow for the precise identification and quantification of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid targets with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. This article demonstrates the crucial role played by coordination chemistry in CRISPR-Cas-based POCTs. It focuses specifically on developing molecular probes and their applications in molecular diagnostics. The article explores the principles behind designing metal complexes for target recognition and detection strategies and integrating these probes into CRISPR-Cas systems for swift and accurate detection. The review also examines the challenges faced in this field and the future directions, highlighting the potential impact of coordination chemistry on advancing CRISPR-Cas-based POCT technologies.