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Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Published on: November 4, 2012

Emerging tools for bioluminescence imaging.

Giorgia Zambito¹, Chintan Chawda², Laura Mezzanotte²

¹Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Medres Medical Research GmBH, Cologne, Germany.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

|March 26, 2021

Summary

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Bioluminescence imaging uses luciferase and luciferin for research. Recent advancements offer deeper, more sensitive detection and new tools for studying cellular functions in animal models.

Area of Science:

Biomedical imaging
Molecular biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Bioluminescence (BL) imaging is a key technique for studying gene expression and cell fate in animal research.
The core reaction involves luciferase enzymes, luciferin substrates, and cofactors.
Existing BL imaging tools face limitations in sensitivity and depth of penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate emerging bioluminescence imaging tools developed between 2018 and 2020.
To provide an updated compendium of the latest advancements in BL imaging technology.
To highlight notable applications of these new tools in biological research.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific publications from 2018-2020 focusing on bioluminescence imaging.

Keywords:

Bioluminescence imaging Caged luciferin Luciferase Luciferin Photouncaging

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Last Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Published on: November 4, 2012

A Step Beyond BRET: Fluorescence by Unbound Excitation from Luminescence FUEL

A Step Beyond BRET: Fluorescence by Unbound Excitation from Luminescence FUEL

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Using Luciferase to Image Bacterial Infections in Mice

Using Luciferase to Image Bacterial Infections in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2011

Critical analysis of newly developed luciferase-luciferin systems and caged luciferins.

Assessment of reported improvements in imaging sensitivity, depth, and novel applications.

Main Results:

Development of enhanced luciferase-luciferin systems enabling deeper and more sensitive BL imaging.
Introduction of novel caged luciferins for reporting on specific enzymatic activities and intracellular functions.
Demonstration of advanced applications in small and large animal models.

Conclusions:

Emerging BL imaging tools offer significant improvements in sensitivity and depth.
New caged luciferins provide innovative ways to probe cellular processes.
These advancements expand the utility of BL imaging in biomedical research.