Description

Dl-Luciferin (Firefly) 1-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-Nitrophenyl)Ethyl Ester is a caged, photolabile derivative of D-luciferin, a critical substrate for firefly luciferase in bioluminescence assays. This compound matters because it serves as a light-activatable probe, enabling precise spatial and temporal control over luminescence signal generation in live-cell imaging and high-throughput screening. Researchers and pharmaceutical developers need it for advanced applications in molecular biology, including real-time monitoring of gene expression, protein-protein interactions, and intracellular ATP levels, where triggered light emission is required.

Application

• Live-Cell Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI): Enables controlled, photo-triggered luminescence for tracking cellular processes in real-time with high spatiotemporal resolution.
• High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Assays: Used in drug discovery platforms to identify enzyme inhibitors or activators where precise timing of signal initiation is critical.
• Gene Expression & Reporter Assays: Acts as a caged substrate in luciferase-based reporter gene systems to study promoter activity and transcriptional regulation upon uncaging.
• Intracellular ATP Detection & Monitoring: Facilitates the study of metabolic activity and cell viability in response to stimuli, with signal release controlled by light exposure.
• Protein-Protein Interaction Studies: Employed in split-luciferase complementation assays (e.g., BRET) to visualize dynamic interactions within cells.
• Neuroscience Research: Useful for mapping neuronal activity and signal transduction pathways in brain tissue using light-activated luminescence.
• Microbial Detection Systems: Applied in biosensor development for pathogen detection, where controlled light release enhances sensitivity and reduces background noise.

Basic Information

Product Name	Dl-Luciferin (Firefly) 1-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-Nitrophenyl)Ethyl Ester
CAS No.	154140-55-3
Molecular Formula	C20H20N2O7S
Molecular Weight	432.45 g/mol
Synonyms	DMNPE-Caged D-Luciferin; 1-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl D-Luciferin Ester; Caged D-Luciferin; Photocaged Luciferin; 4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB) Caged Luciferin; Firefly Luciferin Caged Ester; D-Luciferin 1-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethyl ester; Bioluminescence Substrate, Caged
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Dl-Luciferin (Firefly) 1-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-Nitrophenyl)Ethyl Ester is manufactured under strict quality protocols suitable for research and assay development. Each batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including HPLC for purity verification and spectroscopic identification (NMR, MS), to ensure consistency and performance in sensitive bioluminescence applications. Certificates of Analysis (COA) with detailed chromatographic data and impurity profiles are available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store at -20°C or below under an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon or nitrogen) in a dry, moisture-free environment. For long-term stability, the product should be kept desiccated. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation and moisture uptake.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Yellow to orange powder
Identification (HPLC)	Conforms
Identification (MS)	Conforms
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 95%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 1.0%
Solubility	Soluble in DMSO, DMF; sparingly soluble in aqueous buffers

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.