Abstarct:

The landscape of molecular diagnostics has undergone a transformative revolution with the advent of CRISPR-based detection systems, particularly in point-of-care (POC) applications. This comprehensive review meticulously examines the current advancements and prospective trajectories of CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms, underscoring their integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and microfluidic technologies. We analyze the principal diagnostic platforms, including SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and emerging next-generation systems across a multitude of disease applications, spanning infectious diseases to cancer biomarker detection. The review critically assesses the technical challenges confronting POC implementation, encompassing limitations in sample processing, concerns regarding reagent stability, and the intricacies of multiplexing capabilities. Special emphasis is placed on the transformative role of AI in optimizing guide RNA design, enhancing detection accuracy, and facilitating predictive analytics for disease surveillance. Furthermore, we delve into the synergistic amalgamation of CRISPR systems with microfluidic platforms, which holds the promise of addressing numerous extant limitations and paving the way for genuinely portable, user-friendly diagnostic devices. The review culminates with a discourse on regulatory challenges, market prospects, and the potential ramifications of these technologies on global health, particularly in resource-limited settings where accessible, rapid diagnostics are most urgently required.