L-Kynurenine
Based on 30 publication(s) in Google Scholar
L-Kynurenine is a metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan. L-Kynurenine is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.93%
- CAS No.: 2922-83-0
- Formula: C10H12N2O3
- Molecular Weight:208.21
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Storage:Powder -20°C, 3 years , 4°C, 2 years ; In solvent -80°C, 6 months , -20°C, 1 month
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) L-Kynurenine
More- Cancer Commun (Lond). 2024 Nov;44(11):1261-1286. [Abstract]
- Cell Mol Immunol. 2026 May;23(5):491-504. [Abstract]
- Cell Host Microbe. 2024 Nov 13;32(11):1927-1943.e9. [Abstract]
- ACS Nano. 2020 Dec 22;14(12):17100-17113. [Abstract]
- Nat Commun. 2022 Sep 26;13(1):5644. [Abstract]
- J Adv Res. 2025 Nov 5:S2090-1232(25)00874-4. [Abstract]
- Biomaterials. 2021 Aug:275:120970. [Abstract]
- J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Mar 1;42(1):52. [Abstract]
- Engineering. 2026 May 20.
- J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2026 Jun;17(3):e70295. [Abstract]
- Dev Cell. 2024 Dec 16;59(24):3229-3244.e5. [Abstract]
- Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 May 9:144084. [Abstract]
- Cell Chem Biol. 2026 Jan 15;33(1):91-101.e12. [Abstract]
- Cell Rep. 2025 Dec 10;44(12):116673. [Abstract]
- J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2026 Mar 17;17(1):50. [Abstract]
- J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2023 Aug 5;14(1):111. [Abstract]
- J Funct Biomater. 2024 Dec 9;15(12):372. [Abstract]
- PLoS Pathog. 2020 Jul 17;16(7):e1008664. [Abstract]
- Int Immunopharmacol. 2025 Apr 22:156:114676. [Abstract]
- Int Immunopharmacol. 2025 Apr 24:153:114489. [Abstract]
- Int J Tryptophan Res. 2026 Apr 17:19:11786469261441903. [Abstract]
- ACS Chem Neurosci. 2025 Jun 18;16(12):2312-2321. [Abstract]
- Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2025 May 16:163:110425. [Abstract]
- J Nutr. 2025 May 5:S0022-3166(25)00277-9. [Abstract]
- Clin Chim Acta. 2025 May 15:572:120246. [Abstract]
- DNA Cell Biol. 2022 Apr;41(4):447-455. [Abstract]
- Oncol Lett. 2024 Oct 24;29(1):26. [Abstract]
- Soil Environ Health. 2026 Jun 11;4(3):100220.
- bioRxiv. 2025 Jan 29:2025.01.27.635146. [Abstract]
- Research Square Preprint. 2023 Oct 11.
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In Vivo Efficacy Study
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IF
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Others
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In Vivo Imaging
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WB
All Endogenous Metabolite Isoforms
More
Biological Activity
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Human Endogenous Metabolite |
Kynurenine and its further breakdown products carry out diverse biological functions, including dilating blood vessels during inflammation and regulating the immune response. Some cancers increase kynurenine production, which increases tumor growth. L-kynurenine (Kyn) is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist that activates AHR-directed, naive T cell polarization to the anti-inflammatory Treg phenotype. Kynurenine activates AHR signaling at physiological concentrations in H1L7.5c3 cells and acts as an AHR agonist after a 24-hr exposure by inducing the AHR-regulated luciferase gene in H1L7.5c3 mouse hepatocyte cells[1].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
| NCT Number | Sponsor | Condition | Start Date |
Phase
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01329991 | Plexxikon| | 2011-05 | PHASE1 |
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 2922-83-0
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 208.21
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Formula C10H12N2O3
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Color White to yellow
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SMILES
O=C(O)[C@@H](N)CC(C1=CC=CC=C1N)=O
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Structure Classification
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Initial Source
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
Powder -20°C 3 years 4°C 2 years In solvent -80°C 6 months -20°C 1 month
Publications (30)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Cancer Commun (Lond)
Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase-positive matrix fibroblasts fuel breast cancer lung metastasis via kynurenine-mediated ferroptosis resistance of metastatic cells and T cell dysfunction. [Abstract]2024 Nov;44(11):1261-1286. PMID: 39221971 -
Cell Mol Immunol
MAIT cell plasticity generates CD4+ MAIT cells that promote HCC progression via metabolic crosstalk with tumor cells. [Abstract]2026 May;23(5):491-504. PMID: 41974917 -
Cell Host Microbe
Microbiota-induced alteration of kynurenine metabolism in macrophages drives formation of creeping fat in Crohn's disease. [Abstract]2024 Nov 13;32(11):1927-1943.e9. PMID: 39541945
L-Kynurenine purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Host Microbe. 2024 Nov 13;32(11):1927-1943.e9. [Abstract]
After antibiotic treatment, Ahrflox/floxAdipoq-Cre mice and Ahrflox/flox mice are gavaged with L-kynurenine (5 mg/mL; p.o.; three times a week for 8 weeks), A. pulmonis (109 CFU/mouse/dose) or PBS control three times a week for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, mice are challenged by four cycles of 1.5% DSS.
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ACS Nano
2020 Dec 22;14(12):17100-17113. PMID: 33236625 -
Nat Commun
USP14 promotes tryptophan metabolism and immune suppression by stabilizing IDO1 in colorectal cancer. [Abstract]2022 Sep 26;13(1):5644. PMID: 36163134 -
J Adv Res
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits antigen presentation to promote progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Abstract]2025 Nov 5:S2090-1232(25)00874-4. PMID: 41203070 -
Biomaterials
2021 Aug:275:120970. PMID: 34146889 -
J Exp Clin Cancer Res
L-kynurenine induces NK cell loss in gastric cancer microenvironment via promoting ferroptosis. [Abstract]2023 Mar 1;42(1):52. PMID: 36855135
L-Kynurenine purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Mar 1;42(1):52. [Abstract]
L-kynurenine (0-200 μM; 24-48 h). The proportion of FVD+ NK-92 cells when treated with gradient concentrations of L-KYN (L-kynurenine) for 24 or 48 h.
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J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle
Cancer IDO1-Mediated Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Reprogramming to Drive Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Cachexia Acceleration. [Abstract]2026 Jun;17(3):e70295. PMID: 42028912 -
Dev Cell
MCTP controls nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs during lateral root development. [Abstract]2024 Dec 16;59(24):3229-3244.e5. PMID: 39423818 -
Int J Biol Macromol
Alginate-gelatin hydrogel scaffolds for establishing physiological barriers on a gut-brain-axis microchip. [Abstract]2025 May 9:144084. PMID: 40350126 -
Cell Chem Biol
Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a functional target that enhances astrocytic ApoE secretion. [Abstract]2026 Jan 15;33(1):91-101.e12. PMID: 41483807 -
Cell Rep
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-induced activation of AIM2 inflammasome is mediated by MOMP and MPT: A vital therapeutic pathway for inflammation. [Abstract]2025 Dec 10;44(12):116673. PMID: 41385364 -
J Anim Sci Biotechnol
Kynurenine promotes porcine intestinal epithelial cell proliferation by activating the AHR-MST1-YAP1 axis. [Abstract]2026 Mar 17;17(1):50. PMID: 41845541 -
J Anim Sci Biotechnol
2023 Aug 5;14(1):111. PMID: 37542282 -
J Funct Biomater
Improving the Anti-Tumor Effect of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Inhibitor CY1-4 by CY1-4 Nano-Skeleton Drug Delivery System. [Abstract]2024 Dec 9;15(12):372. PMID: 39728172 -
PLoS Pathog
2020 Jul 17;16(7):e1008664. PMID: 32678826
L-Kynurenine purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: PLoS Pathog. 2020 Jul 17;16(7):e1008664. [Abstract]
MT-1 cells are treated with Kynurenine (10, 50 μM) for 48 h or 4 days , then subjected to analyze the level of cytosolic AHR and nuclear AHR by immunoblot. After 4-days treatment, Kynurenine (10, 50 μM) remarkably induces the expression of CYP1A1 and plus-strand genes in a dose-dependent manner. Both groups efficiently triggered the production of Tax protein, p19 and p24, although the accumulation of gp46 is no apparent.
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Int Immunopharmacol
L-Kynurenine regulates immune response in ICIs-associated myocarditis via JAK/STAT pathway. [Abstract]2025 Apr 22:156:114676. PMID: 40267722 -
Int Immunopharmacol
Doxorubicin promotes NK cell dysfunction and induces acute liver injury through kynurenine-AhR axis. [Abstract]2025 Apr 24:153:114489. PMID: 40112597 -
Int J Tryptophan Res
Cerebrospinal Fluid, Plasma Tryptophan, Kynurenine, and Kynurenate with Sleep Phenotypes: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis. [Abstract]2026 Apr 17:19:11786469261441903. PMID: 42016613 -
ACS Chem Neurosci
Tyrosine: A Key Neurotransmitter in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment for Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Reduction of Intestinal Innate Lymphoid Cell Type 3 Cells. [Abstract]2025 Jun 18;16(12):2312-2321. PMID: 40468180 -
Fish Shellfish Immunol
Edwardsiella piscicida infection-induced tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway impairs Th17 cells to drive intestinal inflammation in teleost. [Abstract]2025 May 16:163:110425. PMID: 40383498 -
J Nutr
Maternal Tryptophan Supplementation Enhances Sow Reproductive Performance by Influencing Hormones, Tryptophan Metabolism, and Gut Microbiome. [Abstract]2025 May 5:S0022-3166(25)00277-9. PMID: 40334786 -
Clin Chim Acta
Plasma-based untargeted metabolomics reveals potential biomarkers for screening and distinguishing of ovarian tumors. [Abstract]2025 May 15:572:120246. PMID: 40107594 -
DNA Cell Biol
Gastric Cancer Cell-Derived Kynurenines Hyperactive Regulatory T Cells to Promote Chemoresistance via the IL-10/STAT3/BCL2 Signaling Pathway. [Abstract]2022 Apr;41(4):447-455. PMID: 35353612 -
Oncol Lett
SLC7A5 regulates tryptophan uptake and PD‑L1 expression levels via the kynurenine pathway in ovarian cancer. [Abstract]2024 Oct 24;29(1):26. PMID: 39512508
L-Kynurenine purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Oncol Lett. 2024 Oct 24;29(1):26. [Abstract]
Immunofluorescence staining shows increased nuclear staining of AHR after cells are treated with 20 µM Kyn (20 µM; 30 min) compared with control cells. The re-localization of AHR (green) or PD-L1 (green) in SKOV3 cells treated with 20 µM Kyn for 30 min. Nuclei are counterstained with DAPI (blue).
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bioRxiv
Metabolic Adaptations Rewire CD4 T Cells in a Subset-Specific Manner in Human Critical Illness with and without Sepsis. [Abstract]2025 Jan 29:2025.01.27.635146. PMID: 39975258 -
L-Kynurenine purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Research Square Preprint. 2023 Oct 11.
L-Kynurenine (2 mg/mL; feeding water; from the 7th to 13th day of pregnancy). Kyn is used to treat infected IDO–/– pregnant mice. The adverse pregnancy outcomes of IDO –/– infected mice after treatment with exogenous Kyn are significantly improved. Mental status, uterus, developmental status of placentas and fetuses in the infected, IDO –/– infected and IDO –/– infected with Kyn treated groups.
Solvent & Solubility
DMSO : 20.83 mg/mL (100.04 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
H2O : 10 mg/mL (48.03 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C)
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.
- For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
- To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
- The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 0.83 mg/mL (3.99 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.83 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (8.3 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 0.83 mg/mL (3.99 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.83 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (8.3 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly:
It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: PBS
Solubility: 7.14 mg/mL (34.29 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Please enter your animal formula composition:
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%DMSO +
Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
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%+
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+%Tween-80 + +
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%Saline +
The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO. Stock solution concentration: mg/mL.
1. Take μL DMSO stock solution;
2. Add μL .
μL , mix evenly;
3. Then add μL Tween 80, mix evenly;
4. Then add μL
Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
Protocol
Luciferase assays are carried out using the H1L7.5c3 cells. At the indicated times (0.5, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24 h) and concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μM) of exposures to Kynurenine, cells are removed from incubation and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature for 15min. After equilibration, the medium is removed and the cells are washed twice with at room temperature with DPBS. The cells are lysed with 20 µL/well 1× Passive Lysis Buffer and shaken for 20min at room temperature. Luciferase activity is recorded using an Luminometer Microplate Reader[1].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Rats[3]
The effects of increasing doses of L-kynurenine with or without probenecid on concentrations of kynurenic acid in cerebral cortex are examined in 7-day-old rats. Six animals are examined in each group. Animals are treated with L-kynurenine at doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg or kynurenine, 200 mg/kg with probenecid, 50 mg/kg. Animals are killed at 1 h, the brains promptly removed, and the cerebral cortex is dissected and placed in 0.5 mL of chilled 0. 1 M HCl. Kynurenic acid measurements are made by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Protein measurements are made using a fluorometric assay[3].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (280 KB)
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SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
[1]. Moyer BJ, et al. Inhibition of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor prevents Western diet-induced obesity. Model for AHR activation by kynurenine via oxidized-LDL, TLR2/4, TGFβ, and IDO1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2016 Jun 1;300:13-24. [Content Brief]
[2]. Sakakibara K, et al. Kynurenine causes vasodilation and hypotension induced by activation of KCNQ-encoded voltage-dependent K(+) channels. J Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Sep;129(1):31-7. [Content Brief]
[3]. Nozaki K, et al. Neuroprotective effects of L-kynurenine on hypoxia-ischemia and NMDA lesions in neonatal rats. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 1992 May;12(3):400-7. [Content Brief]
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O / DMSO | 1 mM | 4.8028 mL | 24.0142 mL | 48.0284 mL | 120.0711 mL |
| 5 mM | 0.9606 mL | 4.8028 mL | 9.6057 mL | 24.0142 mL | |
| 10 mM | 0.4803 mL | 2.4014 mL | 4.8028 mL | 12.0071 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.3202 mL | 1.6009 mL | 3.2019 mL | 8.0047 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.2401 mL | 1.2007 mL | 2.4014 mL | 6.0036 mL | |
| 25 mM | 0.1921 mL | 0.9606 mL | 1.9211 mL | 4.8028 mL | |
| 30 mM | 0.1601 mL | 0.8005 mL | 1.6009 mL | 4.0024 mL | |
| 40 mM | 0.1201 mL | 0.6004 mL | 1.2007 mL | 3.0018 mL | |
| DMSO | 50 mM | 0.0961 mL | 0.4803 mL | 0.9606 mL | 2.4014 mL |
| 60 mM | 0.0800 mL | 0.4002 mL | 0.8005 mL | 2.0012 mL | |
| 80 mM | 0.0600 mL | 0.3002 mL | 0.6004 mL | 1.5009 mL | |
| 100 mM | 0.0480 mL | 0.2401 mL | 0.4803 mL | 1.2007 mL |
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.