State-of-the-art in food safety: The potential of CRISPR/Cas-based lateral flow assay technology in the field of food analysis

Food safety is essential for public health, with key hazards including microbial and chemical contamination and pesticide residues. Therefore, food testing is integral to ensuring food safety. Combining CRISPR/Cas with lateral flow assays (LFAs) leverages CRISPR's robust trans-acting activity, specific target recognition, and high enzymatic efficiency while retaining LFA's advantages of direct visualization, low cost, and simple operation. This combination enhances food safety detection capabilities. In this paper, we review the CRISPR-based lateral flow combined detection technology, summarize its basic principles and features, and focus on its integrated applications. The technology is fast, accurate, and cost-effective in detection, and is thus widely used in various testing fields, especially in food pathogen and viral infection detection. Finally, we highlight the technology's potential to improve various aspects, such as detection strength, and discuss the barriers and pre-commercialization issues of CRISPR/Cas detection platforms. We also provide solutions to increase the likelihood of its commercialization. Currently, CRISPR lateral flow assays are anticipated for broad detection applications. Researchers are investigating Cas protein properties to enhance assay stability and accuracy, promising enhanced food and bioassay safety in the future.