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.

活性氧对生物活性分子如蛋白质、脂类等具有强烈的氧化作用, 从而对生物细胞产生杀伤作用。光敏反应过程会产生大量的活性氧, 利用光子监测判断光敏反应的氧化伤害程度和光敏作用剂量具有重要意义。实验表明, 体外人血清白蛋白在光敏氧化反应后具有长寿命的化学发光过程, 这种氧化损伤的滞后特性可实现暗背景下的低噪声光子监测; 光敏作用后光子检测证明, 不同的光敏剂都存在生物分子的氧化化学发光(CL)。同时, 肿瘤细胞的光敏作用实验中也观测到较强的化学发光信号, 且信号的积累与光敏作用剂量有相关性。因此检测化学发光的实时信号和积累可以评估光敏作用对生物活性分子和细胞造成的损坏程度, 将有望应用到光动力肿瘤治疗等光敏效应的剂量监测上。