Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

From:       rfromme
Text:       My 6th grade daughter is doing a science project on 
bioluminescence and we are wandering if their are health hazards to the use of 
luciferaise and luciferin.  Any additional info on the topic of chemlight will 
be appreciated.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      Joe Schultz
Text:        A quick look to the Merck Index did not reveal any hazards.  The 
only one I can see is the one to your pocketbook!  Luciferin and luciferase 
(the enzyme that reacts with the chemical to produce the light) are pretty 
expensive.  Sigma wants $110 for a 100mg solution of the two already together.  
Separately, the luciferin is $499 for 100mg of crystalline and $673 for the 
sodium salt.  The enzyme will run you from $46 to $66 for 1mg.  A better 
chemluminescence project would be a luminol reaction.  It is much cheaper (1g 
acid=$6, 1g salt=$19) and the other thing you would need is hydrogen peroxide 
(30% I think).  I could probably find the recipe if you need it.  With luminol 
you can create different colors too.  There are no real hazards with luminol 
as well (except for the peroxide).  Good luck with the project.