What Is D-Luciferin?
D-Luciferin is a small-molecule substrate commonly used in bioluminescent reactions—most famously those observed in fireflies. When oxidized in the presence of the enzyme luciferase, along with ATP and oxygen, D-Luciferin emits visible light, typically in the yellow-green range (~560 nm). This luminescent reaction is widely utilized in molecular imaging due to its exceptional sensitivity and minimal background noise.
Chemical Identity
· Chemical Name: D-Luciferin
· Molecular Formula: C11H8N2O3S2
· Synonyms: Beetle luciferin, Firefly luciferin
· CAS Number: 2591-17-5
Origins: Where Does D-Luciferin Come From?
Naturally, D-Luciferin is found in bioluminescent beetles such as Photinus pyralis (fireflies). In these organisms, it is synthesized as part of the luciferin-luciferase system, which is responsible for their glowing behavior. For research and medical purposes, D-Luciferin is typically produced synthetically in laboratories.
Types of D-Luciferin and Their Applications
Type | Description | Common Usage |
D-Luciferin (Free Acid) | Less water-soluble, primarily used in vitro | Biochemical assays, cell lysate analysis |
D-Luciferin Potassium Salt | Highly water-soluble, most commonly used in vivo | Bioluminescent imaging in live animal models |
D-Luciferin Sodium Salt | Water-soluble, but less commonly used than potassium | Alternative for in vivo imaging assays |
Stable Isotope-Labeled Luciferin | Deuterated or 13C-labeled forms | Pharmacokinetics, dual-luciferase imaging |
Aminoluciferins / Analogs | Chemically engineered variants with altered spectra | Multicolor imaging, enhanced stability |
Applications
1. In Vivo Bioluminescent Imaging (BLI)
· Enables real-time, non-invasive tracking of gene expression, tumor development, or infection in live animal models.
2. Reporter Gene Assays
· Commonly used with the firefly luciferase gene as a reporter for gene expression, promoter activity, and drug screening.
3. High-Throughput Screening (HTS)
· Extensively used in pharmaceutical R&D to study toxicity, signaling pathways, and receptor activity.
4. Molecular Diagnostics
· Facilitates detection of DNA/RNA hybridization using luciferase-linked probes.
5. Synthetic Biology
· Incorporated into engineered genetic circuits to produce light as a functional output.
Radical Thinking: Future Uses
· In Situ Diagnostics: Deploying bioluminescence as an internal sensor for real-time detection of inflammation, infection, or tumors.
· Theranostics: Enabling closed-loop feedback for monitoring and adjusting treatments dynamically via luciferin-luciferase reactions.
· Spectral Multiplexing: Designing multi-color luciferins to track multiple biological processes simultaneously using distinct emission wavelengths.
Usage Tips
· Storage: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C or below; protect from light. After reconstitution, aliquot and freeze to avoid degradation.
· Solubility: The potassium salt form is preferred for in vivo applications due to superior water solubility.
· Dosing: A common dose for small animals is 150 mg/kg body weight, but optimization per protocol is recommended.
· Handling: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve product integrity.
Aladdin Scientific – D-Luciferin Products
Aladdin Scientific offers a range of D-Luciferin products to meet various research needs:
1. D-Luciferin (Cat# D115508)
2. D-Luciferin 10 mM in DMSO (Cat# D422906)
3. D-Luciferin Potassium Salt (Cat# L120798)
4. D-Luciferin Sodium Salt (Cat# D115509)
5. D-Luciferin Sodium Salt 10 mM in DMSO (Cat# D420420)
Why Choose Aladdin Scientific?
· China-based supplier with fast local shipping
· Competitive pricing for bulk purchases
· Multiple purity grades available
· PDF datasheets included with all products
Aladdin: https://www.aladdinsci.com/