Sigma-Aldrich™ Luciferase from Photinus pyralis (Firefly)

​Sigma-Aldrich™ Firefly Luciferase from Photinus pyralis is a highly purified recombinant bioluminescent enzyme widely used in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical research. Expressed in E. coli, this luciferase catalyzes the ATP-dependent oxidation of luciferin, producing a strong yellow-green light signal. Its exceptional sensitivity makes it a gold-standard reporter enzyme for gene expression studies and ATP quantification assays.

Supplied as a stabilized buffered aqueous solution, this luciferase is ideal for high-performance luminescence applications, including reporter assays, pathway activation studies, and protein–ligand interaction research.

Key Features and Benefits

• High Specific Activity
  ≥ 10 × 10¹⁰ units/mg protein for strong luminescent output and assay sensitivity.
• Recombinant Expression in E. coli
  Ensures consistent quality, reproducibility, and reliable performance.
• High Purity
  ≥ 98% purity confirmed by SDS-PAGE.
• Powerful Reporter Enzyme
  Widely used as a luminescence-based reporter for gene function and pathway studies.
• ATP Quantification Capability
  Highly sensitive for detecting ATP levels in biological samples.
• Stabilized Buffered Solution
  Formulated for enzyme stability during storage and repeated use.

Product Applications

Sigma-Aldrich™ Firefly Luciferase has been used in:

• Luminescent reporter gene assays
• Measurement of cellular ATP levels
• Pathway activation studies (e.g., KAI2 signaling research)
• Bioluminescence-based screening assays
• Protein–anesthetic interaction modeling
• Cell lysis and luminescence signal quantification workflows

Biochemical Principle

Firefly luciferase catalyzes the reaction:

Luciferin + ATP + O₂ → Oxyluciferin + AMP + PPi + CO₂ + Light

This ATP-dependent reaction produces a bright yellow-green luminescent signal, making luciferase one of the most widely used enzymes for sensitive biological detection.

Technical Specifications

Unit Definition

One luciferase enzyme unit produces one Relative Light Unit (RLU) at 20–25 °C over 10 seconds, measured in:

• 100 μL assay mixture
• 40 pmol ATP
• 15 nmol luciferin
• Tris-glycine buffer, pH 7.6
• Using a GloMax 20/20 luminometer

Conversion factor:

Approximately 9000 RLU = 1 traditional Light Unit

Formulation Buffer Composition

Supplied in:

• 25 mM Tris-acetate, pH 7.8
• 1 mM EDTA
• 1 mM DTT
• 0.2 M ammonium sulfate
• 15% glycerol
• 30% ethylene glycol

This formulation enhances enzyme stability during storage and handling.

Ordering Information

Sigma-Aldrich™ Luciferase from Photinus pyralis is a premium recombinant firefly luciferase enzyme offering exceptional purity, high activity, and robust luminescent performance. It is an essential tool for sensitive reporter assays, ATP quantification, and advanced molecular biology research. With reliable recombinant production and stabilized formulation, it provides consistent results for demanding laboratory applications.