Cell-free systems for a multi-pronged approach to next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics

Effective diagnostics and therapeutics are foundational to modern medical technology. As the drug modality transitions from traditional small-molecule drugs to more intricate protein and nucleic acid-based therapies, there is mounting momentum towards personalized therapeutic approaches. These evolving paradigms challenge conventional biomanufacturing practices, highlighting the need for agile and patient-centric methodologies. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS), which facilitates the direct and programmable production of recombinant proteins, emerges as a compelling alternative. It offers rapid, adaptable, and customized protein production capabilities. Furthermore, by leveraging the core molecular mechanisms of gene expression, CFPS is gaining traction in the diagnostics realm, addressing the growing need for sophisticated diagnostic tools. In this review, we survey recent advancements and discuss how CFPS is poised to markedly reshape therapeutic production and diagnostic methods in the foreseeable future.