KAIST Scientists Develop Kinetic Barcoding Technology to Simultaneously Identify Multiple Viral Variants Using CRISPR Speed

New kinetic barcoding technology from KAIST uses CRISPR reaction speeds to identify multiple viruses and variants simultaneously without DNA conversion.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 4:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Engineering a Multi-Viral Diagnostic Breakthrough

A research team led by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has introduced a diagnostic technology capable of identifying multiple viruses and their variants simultaneously by regulating the operational speed of CRISPR gene scissors. Developed in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley and the Gladstone Institutes, this method addresses the critical need for rapid, multi-target testing during infectious disease outbreaks. By focusing on the temporal dynamics of genetic recognition, the researchers have moved beyond simple binary detection to a sophisticated system that categorizes pathogens based on their unique molecular signatures.

Utilizing Cas13 for Direct Ribonucleic Acid Detection

The technology utilizes a specific CRISPR-based protein known as Cas13, which is engineered to locate and cleave surrounding genetic material upon recognizing its target. Unlike traditional diagnostic methods that require reverse transcription to convert RNA into DNA, this new approach detects RNA directly in its native state. This advancement removes a complex and time-consuming step from the testing procedure, allowing for a more efficient and direct observation of viral presence. When the protein identifies its target, it activates a fluorescent signal that researchers can monitor to confirm the specific pathogen's identity.

Decoding Viral Identity Through Kinetic Barcoding

According to Professor Sungmin Son of KAIST, the team discovered that the speed at which gene scissors cut surrounding material varies significantly depending on the specific virus encountered. By observing these reactions at a single-molecule level within microscopic droplets, the researchers identified unique reaction speed patterns for different combinations of guide and target RNA. This discovery led to the creation of kinetic barcoding, a system that interprets these varying speeds as distinct signal patterns. This allows a single type of gene scissors to distinguish between a wide array of viral targets without requiring multiple fluorescent markers.