Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Conventional diagnostic methods for pathogen identification face significant limitations in clinical practice. These include inadequate sensitivity for low microbial loads, prolonged processing times, and susceptibility to sample matrix interference. As a result, this review focuses on recent progress in polymerase chain reaction technology, with particular emphasis on digital PCR platforms. Digital PCR represents a substantial improvement over quantitative PCR methodology. It provides three key advantages: direct absolute quantification without standard curves, enhanced detection capability for rare targets (sensitivity to 1 copy/L), and superior performance in inhibitor-containing samples. These characteristics address many limitations observed in traditional diagnostic approaches. Emerging PCR-CRISPR integrations (e.g., PCR-Cas13a for H. pylori) are also discussed in this review. Current limitations include equipment complexity and sample interference, but portable devices, multiplex platforms, and AI-assisted analysis show promise for overcoming these challenges and improving diagnostics. These advancements are expanding PCR's applications in precision medicine and infectious disease management.
Source: Theoretical and Natural Science
Author: Zixi Li
Institution: Nanjing Institute of Railway Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410899567