Service Quote Request
Please fill out the form below with your detailed inquiry.
-
PHONE: 1-866-918-6812
Bioluminescent In Vivo Imaging Tools
Bioluminescent in vivo imaging enables noninvasive, real-time monitoring of biological processes in living animals by detecting light emitted from luciferase-catalyzed reactions. Reporter genes such as firefly luciferase, NanoLuc®, or AkaLuc® are delivered via plasmids or viral vectors to track gene expression, tumor progression, cell migration, infection, and therapeutic responses over time. Following substrate administration, emitted photons are captured by sensitive imaging systems, providing quantitative data with low background. SignaGen offers ready-to-use reporter vectors and custom solutions optimized for robust in vivo imaging studies.
Bioluminescence is widely used for in vivo imaging because it offers an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio. Since mammalian tissues do not produce endogenous bioluminescence, background signal is virtually absent, enabling highly sensitive and specific detection of biological events.
Firefly Luciferase (fLuc)
The classical and most widely used reporter system. fLuc requires the substrate D-luciferin and emits yellow-green light (~560 nm). At physiological
AkaLuc
Currently considered the gold standard for deep-tissue bioluminescence imaging. AkaLuc uses the synthetic substrate AkaLumine and is substantially brighter than fLuc. It emits near-infrared light (~650 nm), allowing detection of signals from deep organs and even single cells within intact animals, including through the skull.
NanoLuc (Nluc)
An engineered luciferase derived from deep-sea shrimp. Nluc is much smaller in size and approximately 100-fold brighter than fLuc or Rluc. However, its blue emission spectrum restricts its effec
Gaussia Luciferase (GLuc)
Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) is a naturally secreted bioluminescent enzyme from the marine copepod Gaussia princeps that produces strong blue light (~480 nm) upon oxidation of coelenterazine. Its efficient secretion enables sensitive, non-invasive monitoring of gene expression in culture media or body fluids, making it well suited for longitudinal studies, in vivo imaging, and high-throughput assays.
Interested in custom viral vectors for in vivo imaging?
SignaGen provides custom viral vector solutions for sensitive and reliable in vivo imaging. We design and produce AAV, lentiviral, and adenoviral vectors expressing fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters (e.g., GFP, mCherry, luciferase), optimized for tissue-specific expression and strong signal output. With high-titer production and rigorous QC, our vectors support real-time visualization of gene expression, cell tracking, and disease progression in diverse in vivo models.
Important updates waiting for you!
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter