There is a lack in the formation of our chemistry and biochemistry undergraduate students, caused by the scarcity of practical laboratory experiences that illustrate the applications of luminometry, a technique that is increasingly used in of experimental and health sciences laboratories. Bioluminescence is a phenomenon that our students easily recognize in some animals, such as fireflies, which emit light for the recognition and attraction of their partner in mating. This light is the result of a chemical reaction catalyzed by the enzyme luciferase (EC 1.13.12.7), which requires the presence of the luciferin substrate and ATP as a cofactor. The luciferase reaction has generated a myriad of practical applications, including those derived from the measurement of the ATP consumed in the reaction. In particular, the measurement of ATP levels in drinking or stored waters has been correlated with their bacteria content, since ATP comes from their active metabolism. This has allowed the development of rapid methods to detect bacterial contaminations by quantifying the concentration of ATP present, avoiding the long waits that characterize traditional microbiological methods, based on the growth of the microorganisms present in the samples in a suitable culture media. Along the last two academic years, we have implemented at University of Malaga (Spain) a new laboratory practice focused to undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry students. Based on the ATP quantification by measuring the light generated by the reaction catalyzed by luciferase, it has been used by the students for the detection of bacterial contamination in water. Applied in two different formats, either as a full project developed by students throughout the full course, or in a shorter version that could be carried out in a single laboratory session, its application in our classrooms has been very satisfactory, as evidenced by academic performance and students’ perception.<br/>

Bringing light to chemistry and biochemistry undergraduate students: Successful laboratory experiment illustrating the principles and applications of luminometry

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.