Nitrocefin

A chromogenic β-lactamase substrate that undergoes distinctive color change from yellow (λ_max = 390 nm at pH 7.0) to red (λ_max = 486 nm at pH 7.0) as the amide bond in the β-lactam ring is hydrolyzed by β-lactamase. Nitrocefin is sensitive to hydrolysis by all known lactamases produced by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Also useful for the detection of β-lactamase patterns from bacterial cell extracts by isoelectric focusing. Has been used in competitive inhibition studies in developmental work on β-lactamase-resistant antibiotics.

Packaged under inert gas

Toxicity: Flammable (J)

Preparing a Nitrocefin (500 µg/ml) Solution

• Dissolve 1 mg Nitrocefin in 100 µl dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and vortex.

• Add 1.9 ml phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 7) to produce 2 ml total volume.

• This yields a working Nitrocefin solution of 500 µg/ml (~1 mM), which is suitable for most applications.

• Nitrocefin, particularly in solution, is very sensitive to light.

Following reconstitution, aliquot and freeze (-20°C). Stock solution may be stored at -20°C for up to 2 weeks.

Due to the nature of the Hazardous Materials in this shipment, additional shipping charges may be applied to your order. Certain sizes may be exempt from the additional hazardous materials shipping charges. Please contact your local sales office for more information regarding these charges.

Guay, R., et al. 1980. IRCS Med. Science 8, 209.
King, A., et al. 1980. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 17, 165.
Matthew, M., et al. 1975. J. Gen. Microbiol. 88, 169.
O’Callaghan, C.H., et al. 1972. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1, 283.

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