DIY Mitochondrial Fluorescence: Kitchen Science Edition DIY Mitochondrial Fluorescence: Kitchen Science Edition

DIY Mitochondrial Fluorescence: Kitchen Science Edition

The ATP of Light

While true GFP-tagged mitochondria require genetic engineering (not exactly homebrew), we can exploit endogenous fluorescence:

NADH Autofluorescence
340nm excitation (UV flashlight $15)
460nm emission (blue filter from old 3D glasses)
Success rate: 68% in fresh spinach chloroplasts (J. Biolumin. 2019)
  1. Mince beef liver (rich in mitochondria)
  2. Soak in 0.9% saline (tears work in a pinch)
  3. Add riboflavin (crush 3 vitamin B2 tablets)
  4. Illuminate with 450nm LED
  5. Observe faint blue glow through smartphone macro lens