Application of phthalocyanines in flow- and sequential-injection analysis and microfluidics systems: A review

•Pc and MPc importance in health sciences (cancer photodynamic therapy).•Structure relationships of Pc and MPc as sensitizers linked health to Anal. Sci.•CFA, FIA, SIA, ZF and MF shortly outlined.•Applications of Pc and MPc detailed in key articles in flow-systems.•Merits concluded with exciting prospects for future research.

Phthalocyanines and metallophthalocyanines play a very important role in the metabolism of living organisms through biological pigments or biochromes and are therefore also employed in numerous applications in analytical chemistry. In flow-, and sequential-injection analysis and microfluidic systems the role of phthalocyanines and metallophthalocyanines is centered as either that of analyte or that of a reagent or modifier in the determination of other species. This paper covers the attributes of phthalocyanines and metallophthalocyanines complexes as enhancements in chemical analysis in flow- and sequential injection analysis and microfluidic systems and points out the advantages and disadvantages in the implementation thereof.