SINGLET OXYGEN DETECTION DURING PHOTOSENSITIZATION

Abstract

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

Keywords

• Photodynamic therapy
• photosensitization
• singlet oxygen
• detection
• probe
• luminescence