Cell-free protein synthesis system for bioanalysis: Advances in methods and applications

Efficient, dynamic and accurate are the iterative trends of modern bioanalysis. Current cell-based platforms are hindered by time-consuming cell culture cycles, physiological homeostasis and limited adaptability in production of target biomolecules. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) integrates the advantages of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, and facilitates the development of bioanalysis by providing the benefits of high biosafety, high sensitivity and easy construction. To meet higher bioanalytical needs, the on-demand design of its analytical targets allows flexible integration strategies. of novel biomaterials. The applications of CFPS have included drug screening, biomolecules affinity analysis, diagnosis and point-of-care testing. In addition, it improved the performance and application prospects of cell-free biosensors especially in detection of cytotoxic analytes and diagnostics. In this review, we make a comprehensive introduction of the construction strategies of analysis elements and cutting-edge applications of CFPS, and further discuss its opportunities, challenges and trends for improvement in bioanalysis.