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Advancements in Pathogen Detection, Microdevice Technologies and AI-Driven Analysis

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 1099

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02139, USA
Interests: point-of-care testing; pathogen detection; antibacterial coating; digital healthcare; nucleic acid testing; surface modification; nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In an era where infectious diseases are continuing to challenge global health systems, the race to develop faster, smarter, and more reliable pathogen detection technologies has never been more critical. From Ebola and Zika to MERS and COVID-19, each outbreak has exposed vulnerabilities while simultaneously driving groundbreaking innovations in diagnostics. Today, the demand for rapid, accurate, and scalable solutions is not just a scientific pursuit but a public health imperative, positioning pathogen detection as a cornerstone of global health resilience. Advancements in microdevices have transformed pathogen detection from complex laboratory procedures into streamlined, accessible solutions suitable for both clinical and point-of-care settings. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has further elevated detection capabilities, enhancing sensitivity, specificity, and the interpretation of complex datasets without user bias. This powerful synergy of technology and data is reshaping how we identify, monitor, and respond to infectious threats.

This Special Issue, entitled “Advancements in Pathogen Detection, Microdevice Technologies and AI-Driven Analysis”, aims to highlight the latest breakthroughs and address ongoing challenges in the field. We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews that push the boundaries of current technologies, offering novel insights and solutions to strengthen global health defenses. Submissions should incorporate relevant molecular data to align with the scope of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS). With this Special Issue, we hope to inspire collaborative progress toward creating more resilient and responsive health systems worldwide.

Dr. Younseong Song
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • pathogen detection
  • microfluidic
  • microdevice
  • AI analysis
  • virus
  • bacteria
  • point-of-care testing
  • infectious disease
  • nanotechnology

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 2378 KB  
Article
CRISPR-Cas12 Application for the Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in Immunodepression Patients Through Fluorescent and Lateral Flow Colorimetric Assay
by Daniel Ulloa, Constanza Núñez, Romina Matamala, Aníbal San Martín, Dayana Páez-De Ávila, Jheyson Mercado-Vides, Juan Narváez, Juan Aguirre, Brian Effer and Isabel Iturrieta-González
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178732 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 762
Abstract
Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii poses a serious threat, particularly to immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, or individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Its diagnosis is challenging because current methods, such as microscopy and certain molecular tests, have limitations in sensitivity and [...] Read more.
Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii poses a serious threat, particularly to immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, or individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Its diagnosis is challenging because current methods, such as microscopy and certain molecular tests, have limitations in sensitivity and specificity, and require specialized equipment, which delays treatment initiation. In this context, CRISPR-Cas12-based methods offer a promising alternative: they are rapid, highly specific, sensitive, and low-cost, enabling more timely and accessible detection, even in resource-limited settings. We developed a simple and rapid detection platform based on the CRISPR-Cas12 coupled with lateral flow strips. A guide RNA was designed against DHPS, β-tubulin, and mtLSU rRNA genes. The guide corresponding to β-tubulin showed high sensitivity in the detection of P. jirovecii to produce a detectable fluorescence signal within the first 20–30 min. In addition, it demonstrated high specificity for P. jirovecii when DNA from other microorganisms was used. When coupled with lateral flow strips, high sensitivity and specificity were also observed for detecting positive samples, without the need for genetic amplification. CRISPR-Cas12 successfully detected P. jirovecii infection in an initial diagnostic application, demonstrating the potential of this method for integration into public health diagnostic systems, particularly in field, due to its adaptability, speed, and ease of use. Full article
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