Stability of adenosine 5'‐triphosphate standards for the luciferin‐luciferase bioluminescence assay

Abstract

ATP in dilute solutions prepared for use as internal standards in the bioluminescence assay is gradually degraded if not continually kept at 0°C or below. The example in this note indicates over 160% recovery of ATP in samples due to the decreased ATP concentration in the internal standard stock solution over a period of 90 min. The degradation of ATP may be of concern in context of ATP‐analyzers with ATP‐injection systems unless precautions are undertaken to stabilize dilute ATP standards.

Key words:

• ATP
• luciferin‐luciferase
• bioluminescence