What is CRISPR Technology?
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a groundbreaking gene-editing and molecular detection tool that allows scientists to precisely identify, modify, and analyze specific DNA or RNA sequences. First discovered as a natural defense mechanism in bacteria and archaea, CRISPR protects these organisms from viral infections by storing fragments of viral DNA in their genomes. This "genetic memory" enables them to recognize and destroy the same viruses if they return.
In the lab, researchers have adapted this system for targeted genetic engineering.
The CRISPR toolkit consists of two key components:
- CRISPR-associated(Cas)enzymes (e.g., Cas9, Cas12, Cas13), which act as molecular scissors to cut DNA or RNA.
- Guide RNA (crRNA), a custom molecule that directs the Cas enzyme to a specific genetic sequence.
When the guide RNA matches a target DNA or RNA sequence—such as a disease-related gene or a pathogen’s genome—the Cas enzyme binds to the site and either edits the sequence (e.g., correcting mutations) or triggers a detectable signal (e.g., fluorescence) to confirm the target’s presence.
Compared to older gene-editing tools, CRISPR offers faster, more precise, and cost-effective RNA-guided targeting. It can edit or detect virtually any DNA or RNA sequence, and enzymes like Cas12 and Cas13 enhance detection by cleaving nearby molecules, amplifying signals for genome editing and rapid disease diagnostics.
Revolutionizing Diagnostics
IntelliGenome’s CRISPR Diagnostics System
While CRISPR is widely known for gene editing, its real potential in diagnostics lies in its precision, speed, and portability.
To detect low-abundant CfDNA of Mtb in blood samples by using CRISPR diagnostic technology is the culmination of over a decade of research by Professor Tony Hu’s research group at Tulane University. Building on this innovation, IntelliGenome has developed the world’s first molecular diagnostic platform capable of detecting low-abundance target nucleic acids in blood. This platform allows for highly precise detection of disease-specific cell-free DNA (cfDNA), making it ideal for early disease diagnosis and public screening.
At the core of this system is an advanced integration of high-efficiency DNA polymerase and thermostable proteins, enhancing fluorescence signal generation. When IntelliGenome’s CRISPR probe binds to a pathogen-specific DNA or RNA sequence—guided by a Cas enzyme and single-guide RNA (sgRNA)—it activates a fluorescent marker, enabling ultra-sensitive detection down to the single-nucleotide level.
This technology is particularly effective in identifying drug-resistant pathogens and genetic variants.
For example, IntelliGenome’s tuberculosis (TB) probe targets unique bacterial DNA, confirming both infection presence and bacterial load. Beyond TB, the system can detect a range of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), with high specificity to minimize cross-reactivity.
IntelliGenome is also pioneering multiplex detection systems to address complex infections such as TB-HIV co-infection, allowing multiple pathogens to be identified in a single test.
By combining laboratory-grade accuracy with point-of-care usability, this system eliminates the need for costly infrastructure, making it ideal for low-resource settings. IntelliGenome continues to expand its platform to cover antimicrobial resistance, cancer biomarkers, and global pathogen surveillance, driving the future of accessible, next-generation diagnostics.
IntelliGenome’s CRISPR-Based Diagnostic Solutions
IntelliGenome’s CRISPR-Based Diagnostic Tools
Ultra-Sensitive Detection
Ultra-Sensitive Detection
Ultra-Sensitive Detection
Our proprietary CRISPR/Cas system, boosted by thermostable polymerase, identifies pathogens with unmatched precision.
Real-Time Results
Ultra-Sensitive Detection
Ultra-Sensitive Detection
Fluorescent markers light up upon target binding, delivering immediate, quantifiable insights.
Versatility
Multiplex & Drug-Resistance Testing
Multiplex & Drug-Resistance Testing
Detect SNPs, pathogens, and cancer cells—all on a single platform.
Multiplex & Drug-Resistance Testing
Multiplex & Drug-Resistance Testing
Multiplex & Drug-Resistance Testing
Streamline workflows and tackle complex diagnostics with confidence.