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AAT Bioquest

How is singlet oxygen formed?

Posted June 24, 2024


Answer

When a photosensitizer molecule interacts with oxygen in its ground state, it can lead to the production of singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen is an excited form of oxygen that is generated when photosensitizers like chlorophyll or certain dyes absorb light energy and transfer that energy to molecular oxygen. 

Additional resources

Singlet oxygen: Properties, generation, detection, and environmental applications

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

SO Green™ 520WS Singlet Oxygen Sensor *Water-Soluble for Extracellular Applications*