Searching through Cas protein databases, they found a promising candidate belonging to a thermophile (heat-loving) bacteria called Herbinix hemicellulosilytica. A further search through protein databases identified another Cas protein with a similar genetic sequence in a thermophile called Thermoclostridium caenicola. Tests showed both Cas proteins were stable at relatively high temperatures, but the TccCas13a protein belonging to T. caenicola remained stable within a higher range (37-70 degrees Celsius).
Following further tests and optimizations, the team was able to use TccCas13a to develop a sensitive, robust and rapid one-pot assay called OPTIMA-dx.
The test uses RT-LAMP to amplify the number of target virus RNAs in a sample. TccCas13a then recognizes and cuts it, activating it to also cut special fluorescently tagged RNAs that are added to the mix. This produces a fluorescent signal that can be read by a mobile application also developed by the team.
OPTIMA-dx successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples. It was also modified to detect other viruses, such as hepatitis C, or even multiple viruses at the same time. The technology has been patented, a prototype produced and clinically validated, and the team is now transitioning the product into a startup phase with the aim of mass production and commercialization.

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Miragenews, 22.08.22.
https://www.miragenews.com/turning-up-heat-to-unlock-cas13s-potential-840766/