Detection of reactive oxygen species associated with photodynamic therapy

Accurate detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) is essential for evaluating the performance of photosensitizers and elucidating PDT mechanisms. This review systematically evaluates the detection of ROS related to PDT using commercially available probes, including singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite. We compare their structures, detection mechanisms, performance, advantages, and limitations, and offer practical guidance to help researchers select appropriate ROS detection strategies for PDT studies.