The ATP-dependent oxidation of luciferin by luciferase produces light, and this system is employed as a reporter in plants, bacteria, and mammalian cells. Because chemiluminescent techniques are virtually background-free, this reporter gene system is ideal for detecting low-level gene expression.
Molecular Probes® highly purified synthetic luciferin exhibits physical properties identical to those of natural luciferin. We offer the luciferin free acid (L2911), as well as its water-soluble sodium and potassium salts (L2912, L2916). Our DMNPE-caged D-luciferin (L7085) offers an efficient way to deliver luciferin into intact cells and can be used to supply a continuous source of active luciferin. DMNPE-caged luciferin readily crosses cell membranes. Once inside the cell, a pulse of luciferin can be released by UV photolysis, or a continuous supply of active luciferin can be slowly formed by the action of intracellular esterases found in most eukaryotic cells.
Luciferase Specifications:
• Chemiluminescent after oxidation by luciferase
• Luciferin potassium salt is readily soluble in aqueous buffers