SINGLET OXYGEN DETECTION DURING PHOTOSENSITIZATION

Singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) 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 1 O 2 generation during in vitro and in vivo photosensitization is still technically challenging. To address this problem, indirect and direct methods for 1 O 2 detection have been intensively studied. This review presents the available methods currently in use or under development for detecting and quantifying 1 O 2 generation during photosensitization. The advantages and limitations of each method will be presented. Moreover, the future trends in developing PDT- 1 O 2 dosimetry will be briefly discussed.