Phosphorescent oxygen-sensitive materials for biological applications

A number of macromolecular probes employing different carriers and a number of microparticular probes employing different oxygen sensitive dyes were fabricated, giving a panel of oxygen sensitive probes. The photophysical and oxygen sensing properties of these probes were examined comparatively. The probes were used successfully to monitor cellular oxygen uptake and their ability to overcome a number of problems associated with oxygen sensing in biological samples was assessed. Macromolecular probes proved sufficient in a number of cases, particularly where spectral solutions can resolve the interferences. However where physical interactions cause interference the added protection of the polymer in the particle based probes was required.