PathCrisp-Sal: Rapid CRISPR-based detection of Salmonella in food matrices

Overview

PathCrisp-Sal is an innovative CRISPR-Cas12 assay integrated with Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) designed for ultra-sensitive and rapid detection of Salmonella spp. in complex food matrices, such as chocolate. Traditional detection methods struggle with high-fat, low-water content foods, but PathCrisp-Sal's isothermal workflow and tolerance for matrix inhibitors allow for effective testing directly from crude extracts. Its rapid detection capability (≤4 hours) and point-of-need deployment feature make it an ideal solution for industries requiring quick pathogen detection.

Technical specifications

• LAMP integration: Allows the assay to tolerate inhibitors commonly found in complex matrices, facilitating efficient sample processing.
• CRISPR-Cas12 technology: Utilizes carefully designed guide RNAs for specific targeting of Salmonella spp., achieving attamolar sensitivity with collateral cleavage to generate detectable signals.
• Detection capability: Can detect low copies of pathogens, with proven effectiveness on spiked milk samples and extendable to rarer Salmonella species.
• Versatile application: Suitable for various food matrices, including chocolate, with potential adaptation to other challenging matrices.

Technology readiness level

PathCrisp-Sal has reached Technology Readiness Level 4, having been validated in clinical samples and complex food matrices such as milk. Future validation studies will focus on detecting Salmonella in chocolate, with improvements in extraction methods and reduction of false negatives being explored.