journal article·2025-12Open access

Osmotically Tunable Microdroplets Enable Amplification‐Free CRISPR Detection of Gene Doping

Jihun Han, Reya Ganguly, Joon‐Yeop Yi, Hyewon Yun, So‐Yeon Jung, Changmin Sung, Chang‐Soo Lee

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 48

Abstract

Abstract Gene doping is an increasing challenge in sports, demanding highly sensitive and specific detection tools beyond the limitations of the current amplification‐dependent methods. Here, an innovative amplification‐free clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) 12a assay integrated with osmotically tunable double emulsion (DE) droplets is reported for rapid and ultrasensitive gene doping detection. Target DNA and CRISPR/Cas12a complexes are encapsulated within DE droplets, where osmotic shrinkage rapidly concentrates the reaction components, thereby enhancing the fluorescent signal intensity without nucleic acid amplification. This platform enables the detection of the human erythropoietin ( hEPO ) gene at unprecedented attomolar levels within 30 min, achieving a 25‐fold improvement in sensitivity compared with that of nonshrinkable formats. Notably, the assay demonstrated a robust and specific performance in complex serum samples with minimal matrix interference. This novel approach offers a rapid, reliable, and inherently contamination‐free solution for gene doping surveillance with broad potential for versatile amplification‐free nucleic acid diagnostics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation · CRISPR and Genetic Engineering · Biosensors and Analytical Detection

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry Chungnam National University Yuseong‐gu Daejeon 34134 Republic of Korea

Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea

Doping Control Center Korea Institute of Science and Technology Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea

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