Firefly Bioluminescence toward to <i>In Vivo</i> Imaging Technology

Though firefly bioluminescence is utilized as a luciferase reporter assay in cell imaging and in vivo imaging technologies, the maximum emission spectrum circa 560 nm of the wild bioluminescence is not suited for deep tissue imaging. We innovated an artificial luciferin with an NIR emission ca. 675 nm, marketed as an “Aka Lumine”. “Tokeoni,” with an NIR emission ca. 675 nm, is a next generation artificial luciferin will be put on the market soon. It will be used for optical imaging of a miniature pig.