CRISPR technology a silver lining in combating COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Technological advancements have trigged the research arena of life sciences. This has resulted not only in the co-evolution of science and technology but also in building up novel ways to tackle life threatening pandemic like situations. The use of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology in combating the recent COVID-19 pandemic is evidence to this. The technique was originally identified as a microbial adaptive immune system, in which the microbes use RNA-guided nucleases to cleave foreign genetic material. Subsequently, molecular biologists started harvesting this technique in accelerating the genetic engineering/ chimeric DNA methods. During COVID-19 outbreak, the scientists are trying to mould the CRISPR technology in the successful and rapid detection of the virus and also in the treatment of COVID- 19 infection. Thus the application of this technique comes as a ray of hope not only for fighting against COVID but also can be used as weapon for unseen future pandemics.

CRISPR as a novel technique for COVID-19 diagnosis: a review

“…Also, these assays have a distinct benefit on RT-PCR in that they can recognize people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before, even if they have never been tested when sick [41]. Additionally, a new technology, such as CRISPR, has proven to be useful in combating viral outbreaks [7].…”

“…Presently, the most widely used technology is PCR, and COVID-19 de-tection kits largely depend on real-time PCR [6]. On the other hand, modern technology, such as CRIS-PR, provides a glimmer of hope not just for tackling COVID but also as a weapon against unknown future pandemics [7].…”

“…Further, the CRISPR system is divided into two classes and six types, with more than 19 subtypes and many associated proteins [10]. There are many CRISPR platforms that have been developed in order to combat COVID-19, such as SHERLOCK and DETECTR [7].…”