Description

4-Methylumbelliferyl-β-D-Galactoside is a fluorogenic substrate specifically designed for the detection and quantification of β-galactosidase enzyme activity. This compound matters for researchers and industrial labs requiring high sensitivity and specificity in enzymatic assays, as it releases the highly fluorescent 4-methylumbelliferone upon cleavage. It is essential for professionals in molecular biology, diagnostic kit manufacturing, and enzyme research who need reliable, high-purity biochemical reagents for critical applications.

Application

• Enzymatic Assays: Primary substrate for the fluorometric detection and kinetic study of β-galactosidase (β-Gal, LacZ) activity in research and high-throughput screening.
• Molecular Biology & Reporter Gene Systems: Used in lacZ reporter gene assays to monitor gene expression and promoter activity in bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells.
• Diagnostic Development: A key component in the formulation of diagnostic kits for detecting bacterial contamination (e.g., coliforms via β-galactosidase activity) and certain genetic disorders.
• Cell Biology & Histochemistry: Employed in cell-based assays and in situ staining to visualize β-galactosidase expression, commonly used in senescence detection (SA-β-Gal staining).
• Quality Control in Biotechnology: Used to standardize and validate enzyme preparations, fermentation processes, and recombinant protein production involving the lacZ system.
• Food & Water Safety Testing: Applied in rapid microbiological methods for the detection of Escherichia coli and other β-galactosidase-positive organisms.

Basic Information

Product Name	4-Methylumbelliferyl-β-D-Galactoside
CAS No.	39940-54-0
Molecular Formula	C16H18O9
Molecular Weight	354.31 g/mol
Synonyms	4-MUG; 4-Methylumbelliferyl β-D-galactopyranoside; 4-MU-β-D-Gal; β-Galactosidase substrate 4-MUG; 4-Methylumbelliferyl galactoside; MUGal; 7-Hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin β-D-galactopyranoside; 4-Methyl-7-β-D-galactopyranosyloxycoumarin
EINECS	254-698-9

Quality Control

Our 4-Methylumbelliferyl-β-D-Galactoside is manufactured under strict quality systems to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high performance in sensitive assays. Each lot undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including HPLC for purity and identity confirmation (IR, NMR). Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, assay, and specific tests are provided to guarantee the material meets the stringent requirements for research and in-vitro diagnostic use.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store at 2-8°C in a dry environment. This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) and light-sensitive; prolonged exposure to moisture, elevated temperature, or light may lead to decomposition and reduced performance.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Identification (HPLC)	Conforms to reference
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 2.0%
Specific Rotation	-65° to -75° (c=1 in DMF)
Fluorogenic Activity	Suitable for enzyme assay
Solubility	Soluble in DMF, DMSO; slightly soluble in water

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