CRISPR-based biosensing of pests and pathogens
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1Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization - The Volcani Institute, Israel
2School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
3Plant Pathology, Agricultural Research Organization - The Volcani Institute, Israel
2School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
3Plant Pathology, Agricultural Research Organization - The Volcani Institute, Israel
Early detection of pests and pathogens is critical for efficient treatment. Ideally, the detection should be easy to handle, fast, affordable, and performed on-site. We use the CRISPR/Cas12a system to identify and differentiate between several species of 1. Plant viruses, and 2. Fruit fly pests. Our results suggest that this approach may be used for detection with high specificity and sensitivity in both cases. Finally, with the help of the Ramon Foundation and Mr. Eitan Stibbe, the second Israeli astronaut, we tested this technology on the International Space Station. We confirmed its activity in microgravity, paving the road for developing self-diagnostics kits for astronauts.