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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Split Hybridization Probe Utilizing a DNA Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer as a Signal Reporter for Sequence-Specific Nucleic Acid Analysis

Split Hybridization Probe Utilizing a DNA Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer as a Signal Reporter for Sequence-Specific Nucleic Acid Analysis

Published on: July 8, 2025

Bioprobes based on AIE fluorogens.

Dan Ding¹, Kai Li, Bin Liu

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore , 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117576.

Accounts of Chemical Research

|June 8, 2013

Summary

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) bioprobes overcome traditional fluorescence quenching issues, enabling brighter, more sensitive detection. These AIE probes offer a "turn-on" fluorescence mechanism for advanced biological imaging and sensing applications.

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Area of Science:

* Chemistry
* Materials Science
* Biomedical Engineering

Background:

* Fluorescent bioprobes are crucial for visualizing biological analytes and processes.
* Traditional probes suffer from concentration quenching (ACQ), limiting sensitivity and applications.
* Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) offers a solution by enhancing fluorescence in aggregate states.

Purpose of the Study:

* To review recent work on AIE for developing novel fluorescent bioprobes.
* To highlight the advantages of AIE in biosensing and bioimaging.
* To showcase AIE's potential for high-sensitivity analyte detection and cellular processes visualization.

Main Methods:

* Development of AIE fluorogens with rotor-like structures.
* Design of molecular AIE bioprobes and AIE dot-based probes.
* Investigation of AIE probe performance in aqueous media and for in vivo applications.

Main Results:

* AIE bioprobes exhibit a fluorescence
turn-on
mechanism, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy.
* AIE dots demonstrate superior properties over quantum dots and small molecule dyes, including high luminosity and photostability.
* AIE probes facilitate noninvasive cancer cell detection, long-term cell tracing, and tumor imaging.

Conclusions:

* AIE effect provides a powerful platform for developing advanced fluorescent bioprobes.
* AIE bioprobes offer improved sensitivity, accuracy, and versatility for biosensing and imaging.
* Future AIE bioprobes may integrate with other modalities for theranostic applications.