Programmable Nuclease-Based Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics, Food Safety and Beyond Applications

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, programmable nuclease-based biosensors have emerged as advanced bioanalytical tools in various fields. These biosensors utilize the principle of a guided enzyme to target and cleave specific nucleic acid sequences, achieving highly selective and sensitive detection in molecular diagnostics. Their adaptability allows such biosensors to be tailored for detecting different targets, presenting a wide range of potential applications. In medical diagnostics, programmable nuclease-based biosensors show promise in detecting disease biomarkers, pathogens, genetic mutations, etc. In the field of food safety, programmable nuclease sensors could be used for the rapid and on-site detection of harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms to ensure food quality and safety. In addition, this technology has a wide range of potential applications, including environmental monitoring, agricultural and forest science, and beyond. The design and development of highly efficient programmable nuclease biosensors has become a research focus in recent years. The programmable nucleases developed in recent years include Cas12a, Cas13a, Cas9, Cas14a, dCas9, Argonautes, and so on.

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research papers as well as reviews on current developments in the design of high-sensitivity and high-selectivity bioanalysis systems with programmable nucleases for medical diagnostics, food safety, and other related areas. Theoretical and fundamental research on the recognition/cleavage mechanisms of programmable nucleases for biosensing is also encouraged. The design and development of lab-on-a-chip devices, wearable and plug-and-play biosensors, and portable platforms for point-of-care (POC) applications are of particular interest. Reviews should provide an in-depth examination of the most recent research in a specific context or discuss the existing and future issues related to programmable nuclease-based biosensors.

Prof. Dr. Long Ma
Dr. Lijuan Yin
Dr. Weipan Peng
Guest Editors

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