Fourier-transform detection of singlet oxygen and fluorescence from cell membrane bound porphyrins

Abstract

A weak luminescence due to singlet oxygen O₂(a ¹Δ_g) and a stronger fluorescence emission from a porphyrin bound to the surface of living cells have been obtained using a Fourier-transform interferometric technique. The porphyrin fluorescence shows a marked wavelength shift compared with that observed when the cells are not present. The singlet oxygen emission is accompanied by cell membrane destruction as shown by the Trypan Blue exclusion test.