I've run into a need to use a luminescent substance for a project.
Luminol, despite being non-toxic is considered to be a likely carcinogen so I've decided not to mess with it, as the requirement is to produce a body-safe luminescent mixture that can be activated when needed, by mixing two parts of the system. Knowing that there are several luciferins used in-vivo, I've settled on bioluminescence.
Now, the issue is pricing: luciferins cost up to $300 per gram, and that is not considering the luciferase that would be needed to catalyze it. However, I had a thought that it is likely due to the high standard for purity - in my case I really don't need to worry about it, since my application is entirely visual. It would be applied to the skin, however, so it still needs to be safe.
Therefore I ended up thinking - what if I genetically modified a yeast culture to produce the luciferin and the luciferase? I would have an essentially indefinite supply of the required chemicals, and all I would need is to feed the yeast a proper substrate of sugar and supplements.
I know there are DIY kits out there, but I doubt there is a specific kind for what I'm looking for - so the questions I have to any biochem people present are the following:
1) What specific luciferin should I be looking into? Firefly luciferin also requires the presence of ATP which would be an added pain in the ass to source. There is an added concern of body safety.
2) What are some good resources I can look into to learn the required terminology and methodology of GMO, specifically in regards to yeast?
>inb4 use fluorescence
I'm more looking for a short term, bright glowing substance that can be activated on demand. Fluorescence can be bright if you blast it with UV but it requires an external setup to be there on the spot - I'd like for this to be a self-contained thing.
Luminol, despite being non-toxic is considered to be a likely carcinogen so I've decided not to mess with it, as the requirement is to produce a body-safe luminescent mixture that can be activated when needed, by mixing two parts of the system. Knowing that there are several luciferins used in-vivo, I've settled on bioluminescence.
Now, the issue is pricing: luciferins cost up to $300 per gram, and that is not considering the luciferase that would be needed to catalyze it. However, I had a thought that it is likely due to the high standard for purity - in my case I really don't need to worry about it, since my application is entirely visual. It would be applied to the skin, however, so it still needs to be safe.
Therefore I ended up thinking - what if I genetically modified a yeast culture to produce the luciferin and the luciferase? I would have an essentially indefinite supply of the required chemicals, and all I would need is to feed the yeast a proper substrate of sugar and supplements.
I know there are DIY kits out there, but I doubt there is a specific kind for what I'm looking for - so the questions I have to any biochem people present are the following:
1) What specific luciferin should I be looking into? Firefly luciferin also requires the presence of ATP which would be an added pain in the ass to source. There is an added concern of body safety.
2) What are some good resources I can look into to learn the required terminology and methodology of GMO, specifically in regards to yeast?
>inb4 use fluorescence
I'm more looking for a short term, bright glowing substance that can be activated on demand. Fluorescence can be bright if you blast it with UV but it requires an external setup to be there on the spot - I'd like for this to be a self-contained thing.
