Zizhao Wang

Mr. Zizhao Wang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 October 2026 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZWZizhao Wang
Zizhao Wang
JWJing Wang
Jing Wang
LLLing Li
Ling Li
GCGuofeng Chen
Guofeng Chen
HWHongtao Wen
Hongtao Wen
Yiyang DongYiyang Dong
Yiyang Dong
Residual gene editors are a concern associated with the widespread application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescent aptasensor for the qualitative and quantitative detection of Cas9 protein. Secondary structure prediction and molecular docking were combined to identify potential binding sites of the Cas9-specific aptamer. A fluorescence aptasensor was constructed based on competitive binding: in the presence of Cas9, the aptamer binds to the target and releases complementary DNA (cDNA), which activates the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a. Cas12a subsequently cleaves a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) reporter labeled with a fluorophore and a quencher, generating a fluorescence signal, expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU), that increases with Cas9 concentration. The optimized conditions comprised a trans-cleavage reaction time of 20 min, a Cas12a:CRISPR RNA (crRNA) molar ratio of 1:1, a final aptamer concentration of 180 nM, and a combination of low- and high-salt buffers to balance molecular recognition and protein stability. The proposed assay enabled Cas9 protein detection in buffer and Cas9-spiked soybean milk and cereal matrices. These results represent a proof-of-concept evaluation in complex food matrices rather than validation of authentic residual Cas9 detection. Further studies using unspiked gene-edited samples with independently verified Cas9 residues and an orthogonal reference method are required.