Aggregation-induced emission(AIE)for next-generation biosensing and imaging: A review

Luminescence technology is a powerful analytical tool for biomedical research as well as for marker detection. Luminescent materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties have attracted extensive research interest, and their unique luminescence characteristics, biocompatibility, and sensitivity make them useful for the development of fluorescence-turn-on biosensors with superior sensitivity. While numerous reviews have focused on the design of AIEgens, comprehensive summaries on the strategies for biosensor preparation and application fields remain limited. In this review, we provide a concise introduction to the discovery and mechanism of the AIE phenomenon and summarize the working principles of classic AIE molecules. We discuss luminescence tuning strategies and functionalization methods for AIEgens, along with the design and preparation of AIE-based biosensors. Typical applications of AIE in biosensing and imaging are outlined, and we analyze the current limitations and future research directions of AIE technology in these fields. We hope this review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers in this rapidly developing field. The insights provided may facilitate the rational design of next-generation biosensors based on AIE technology, exhibiting promising avenues of biomedical applications and vast potential for growth. [Display omitted] •Summarized and elucidated the working mechanism of AIE technology in the fields of biosensing and imaging.•Categorized and presented the current fabrication methods of biosensors based on AIE technology.•Reviewed AIE technology applications in biomedical fields: chemical sensing, biomolecular sensing, cellular imaging, and pathological detection.•Summarized the challenges of AIE technology in biosensing and imaging, and analyzed future research directions.