Chapter 13: Genetically Encoded Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizers

The ability to selectively control the site of singlet-oxygen (¹O₂) production in a cell is crucial for inflicting photodynamic damage in a desired location. Genetically encoded photosensitizers, which can be fused to virtually any protein and are expressed in a cell without the need to add any external cofactors, offer absolute control of the ¹O₂ production site. This chapter provides a molecular view of the photosensitization mechanisms in two families of genetically encoded photosensitizers: green fluorescent protein variants and flavoproteins. It also covers the main applications of these proteins in areas such as photodynamic therapy and chromophore-assisted laser inactivation, as well as in advanced imaging techniques.