Perylene does not have a defined biological target as it is a fluorescent dye and organic semiconductor material rather than a pharmacologically active compound. Its function is physicochemical—it absorbs and emits light at specific wavelengths, making it useful as a fluorescent probe. In biological applications, perylene derivatives can be used as fluorescent labels for biomolecules. The compound itself is not evaluated for biological activity against specific targets. Its interactions with biological systems, if any, would be non-specific and based on its hydrophobic nature and ability to intercalate into lipid membranes.

For research in the field of life sciences, perylene is a biochemical reagent that can be utilized as an organic compound or biological material.

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In vitro, perylene exhibits no pharmacological activity as it is a fluorescent dye. Its utility is demonstrated in fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy applications as a fluorescent probe. Perylene derivatives are used as fluorescent labels for biomolecules, in DNA intercalation studies, and as probes for membrane fluidity. In cell-based assays, perylene derivatives can be used to stain cellular structures, but the compound itself is not tested for biological activity. Its role is strictly analytical—providing fluorescent properties for detection and imaging applications.

Perylene is not a pharmacologically active agent and does not exhibit in vivo therapeutic activity. It is used as a fluorescent dye and organic semiconductor material. The compound is not intended for human or animal exposure. It is used in research laboratories for fluorescence imaging and materials science applications. No therapeutic efficacy has been reported for this compound. The compound is not administered to animals in pharmacological studies.

In vitro assays for perylene focus on its fluorescence properties rather than receptor binding. A standard protocol involves dissolving the compound in an appropriate organic solvent (e.g., toluene, chloroform) and measuring its absorption and emission spectra using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Perylene has characteristic absorption maxima and emits blue-green fluorescence. For biological applications, perylene derivatives are conjugated to biomolecules and used as fluorescent labels for imaging and detection. Quality control includes HPLC purity analysis and melting point determination.

In vitro cell culture experiments with perylene are typically limited to its use as a fluorescent probe. Cells are cultured on coverslips and stained with perylene or perylene derivatives for fluorescence microscopy imaging. The compound's hydrophobic nature requires the use of appropriate solvents or carriers for cellular delivery. Cytotoxicity may be assessed to determine safe working concentrations. However, perylene is not used as a test compound for pharmacological activity.

In vivo animal studies are not conducted with perylene, as it is a fluorescent dye and organic semiconductor material rather than a therapeutic test article. The compound is not used in pharmacological or toxicological studies in animals. Its applications are limited to in vitro fluorescence imaging and materials science research. No in vivo efficacy or safety studies have been reported for this compound.

Metabolism / Metabolites
This study compared the metabolism of the weak carcinogen benzo[a]anthracene with a group of non-carcinogenic hydrocarbons, including benzo[e]pyrene, pyrene, phenanthrene, pyrene, tribenzo[a]benzene, and perylene. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with 0.4 μM of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis showed that benzo[a]anthracene underwent bioalkylation and biooxidation in rat subcutaneous tissue. No bioalkylation was detected in the other tested compounds in vivo. These results are consistent with the carcinogenic activity of benzo[a]anthracene and the non-carcinogenicity of the other tested compounds. The data suggest that the metabolic activation of non-functional carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons is due to the introduction of an alkyl group at the highly reactive meta-anthracene center in the molecule. Further investigation is needed to determine whether bioalkylation can serve as a universal probe for the carcinogenic activity of non-functional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

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Pharmacokinetic properties of perylene are not characterized as it is not a drug substance. Based on its physicochemical properties (molecular weight 252.31, very low water solubility, high lipophilicity, logP approximately 5-6), the compound would be expected to have very low oral bioavailability due to poor absorption. If absorbed, it would likely distribute extensively to lipid-rich tissues and be slowly eliminated. The compound may be metabolized via cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation. However, the compound is not intended for human exposure and has not been evaluated in formal pharmacokinetic studies.

Toxicity Summary
Identification and Uses: Perylene forms yellow to colorless crystals. It is used in the manufacture of organic semiconductors. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals formed during the incomplete combustion of coal, petroleum, natural gas, wood, waste, or other organic matter (such as tobacco and barbecued meat). Human Exposure and Toxicity: Perylene does not induce mutations in cultured human lymphoblasts. Perylene is cytotoxic to human keratinocytes in vitro. The carcinogenicity of this substance in humans is currently unclassified. Animal Studies: Perylene does not induce tumors in mice via dermal application or intraperitoneal injection. Perylene can induce the activity of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase in rat placenta. Ecotoxicity Studies: Perylene does not induce the activity of 7-ethoxyhalothrin-O-deethylase (EROD) in rainbow trout hepatocytes.

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Interactions
group of 20 female ICR/Ha Swiss mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were given a single application of 800 μg of perylene (recrystallized and purified) dissolved in 200 μL of benzene to the shaved back skin. No skin tumors were observed after 58 to 60 weeks of observation. In a second experiment, the same dose of perylene was administered to 20 female ICR/Ha mice; two weeks later, during the experimental period (58 to 60 weeks), mice were applied three times weekly to a solution of 2.5 μg of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate dissolved in 0.1 mL of acetone. Three mice developed three skin papillomas; in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate control group, one mouse developed two papillomas… This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (1-methylpyrene and perylene) on human skin keratinocytes. Normal human keratinocytes were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of 1-methylpyrene and perylene, and treated alone or in combination. After incubation, the adhesion, viability, proliferation, colony-forming efficiency, and apoptosis/necrosis levels of keratinocytes were measured. Furthermore, the effect of PAHs on wound healing was determined in vitro using an epidermal-like tissue scratch wound healing assay. Simultaneously, the secretion of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured to investigate the response of inflammatory cells to PAH stimulation. The results showed that each PAH significantly reduced keratinocyte adhesion and viability in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by a decrease in keratinocyte proliferation and colony-forming ability. The effects on keratinocyte adhesion, viability, and proliferation were more significant when multiple PAHs were used in combination. The use of any single PAH resulted in decreased cell proliferation/colony-forming efficiency, accompanied by increased apoptosis. Evaluation using a culture scratch assay revealed that the inhibitory effect of PAHs on keratinocyte migration was further enhanced. Furthermore, each PAH significantly affects the immune function of keratinocytes by regulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators. In fact, 1-methylpyrene or perylene, whether used alone or in combination, significantly upregulates the secretion of IL-1α and IL-6. This effect is more pronounced and concentration-dependent when PAHs are used in combination. Overall, the results indicate that 1-methylpyrene and perylene have cytotoxic effects on human keratinocytes.

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Perylene is a combustible solid and may cause skin and eye irritation. Standard laboratory safety precautions should be followed when handling this compound, including the use of gloves, safety glasses, and working in a fume hood. The compound should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and strong oxidizing agents. No acute toxicity data are available. The compound is not intended for drug, household, or other uses.

Perylene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fused at both ortho and pericyclic positions, composed of five benzene rings. Its structure is similar to anthracene, but its d, e, and k, l side chains are fused to benzene rings. Perylene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fused at both ortho and pericyclic positions, belonging to the perylene class of compounds. A 20-carbon dibenzo(de,kl)anthracene can be considered as a fusion of naphthalene and phenanthrene, or simply dinaphthalene. It can be used as a fluorescent lipid probe in cell membrane chemistry and is also a polycyclic hydrocarbon pollutant in soil and water. Its derivatives may be carcinogenic.

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Perylene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon used as a fluorescent dye and in organic electronics applications. It is also known as peri-dinaphthalene. Perylene derivatives are used as fluorescent probes in biological research. The compound has not undergone clinical trials and is not approved as a pharmaceutical. Its mechanism of action is physicochemical—fluorescence emission and light absorption.

C20H12

252.31

252.093

198-55-0

Perylene-d12;1520-96-3

9142

Yellow to colorless crystals from toluene
Golden-brown yellow plates from benzene, acetic acid

1.3±0.1 g/cm3

467.5±12.0 °C at 760 mmHg

273-274 °C

228.6±13.7 °C

0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C

1.887

6.4

0

0

0

20

304

0

C1=CC2=C3C(=C1)C4=CC=CC5=C4C(=CC=C5)C3=CC=C2

CSHWQDPOILHKBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C20H12/c1-5-13-6-2-11-17-18-12-4-8-14-7-3-10-16(20(14)18)15(9-1)19(13)17/h1-12H

perylene

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO: 3.33 mg/mL (13.20 mM)

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)