A Magnetic-Assisted CRISPR-Cas12a Biosensor Incorporating a Y-DNA Probe for Sensitive Detection of Schistosoma japonicum Eggs

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma species, is notoriously difficult to accurately diagnose with conventional methods. In this study, we present an innovative biosensor that integrates CRISPR–Cas12a technology with nucleic acid aptamers for the highly sensitive detection of Schistosoma japonicum eggs. The biosensor leverages a Y-shaped DNA structure (Y-DNA) that incorporates an aptamer specific to S. japonicum eggs, along with an activator DNA and a segment for immobilization on magnetic nanomaterials. Upon target recognition, the Y-DNA releases the activator, which triggers the collateral cleavage activity of Cas12a, enabling the direct detection of eggs. This system demonstrates remarkable sensitivity, being capable of detecting individual eggs in infected rabbit serum and feces. Moreover, it effectively distinguishes the eggs of S. japonicum from those of other parasitic species. The simplicity, high sensitivity, and rapid detection of our biosensor offer significant potential for improving the diagnosis of schistosomiasis, providing a novel, reliable tool for early detection in clinical settings.