One of the most transformative applications of oligonucleotide pools is in CRISPR-based functional genomics. To understand which genes are responsible for specific diseases, scientists use "guide RNA" (gRNA) libraries synthesized in pools to knock out or activate thousands of genes across a cell population. This allows for "unbiased" screening, where the data tells the researcher which genetic pathways are relevant, rather than the researcher having to make a guess beforehand.

Within the Oligonucleotide Pool Market, the CRISPR/Cas9 segment is a major revenue contributor. The market is seeing a shift toward "long-oligo" pools, which allow for the synthesis of more complex gRNA structures and the integration of molecular barcodes. These barcodes allow for "single-cell" resolution in pooled screens, where the genetic modification and its phenotypic effect can be tracked in every individual cell. As precision medicine moves toward clinical applications, the ability to validate drug targets through these massive, pooled genetic screens is becoming an industry standard for biotech startups and established pharma giants alike.