Singlet oxygen detection

Abstract

Singlet oxygen (1 O2) is a highly reactive oxygen species involved in numerous chemical and photochemical reactions in di®erent biological systems and in particular, in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the quanti¯cation of 1 O2 generation during in vitro and in vivo pho�tosensitization is still technically challenging. To address this problem, indirect and direct methods for 1 O2 detection have been intensively studied. This review presents the available methods currently in use or under development for detecting and quantifying 1 O2 generation during photosensitization. The advantages and limitations of each method will be presented. Moreover, the future trends in developing PDT-1 O2 dosimetry will be brie°y discussed.