Detecting luciferase in e.coli

[Glenn Browning]

Yes it is possible to detect luciferase expressing recombinants in E. coli.  The only reference I know is "K. Wood and M. DeLuca, 1987, Analytical Biochemistry 161: 501-507".  I have used their method and various modifications of it and generally have good success.  One main thing to remember is that it is important to reduce the pH of your substrate to about 5 to promote uptake of the luciferin.
Good luck,
Brendan Crabb
The University of Melbourne, Australia