Progress and Trends in AIE-Based Bioprobes: A Brief Overview

Area of Science:

• Advanced materials science
• Biotechnology
• Optical imaging

Background:

• Luminescent bioprobes are crucial for biosensing and optical imaging.
• Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens offer advantages over aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) luminophores.
• AIE bioprobes provide enhanced sensitivity, accuracy, and photostability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in AIE-based bioprobes over the past five years.
• To focus on emerging trends and progress in AIE bioprobe development.
• To provide a distinct perspective on the field.

Main Methods:

• Overview of AIE bioprobes based on probe composition and form (bioconjugates, nanoprobes).
• Analysis of AIE bioprobes based on output signal (far-red/near-infrared luminescence, multi-photon excited fluorescence, phosphorescence).
• Examination of AIE bioprobes based on probing system modality and functionality (dual-modality, dual/multifunctionality).
• Review of AIE bioprobes targeting specific applications (organelles, cancer cells, bacteria, real samples).

Main Results:

• AIE bioprobes demonstrate superior performance including lower background and higher signal-to-noise ratios.
• Recent trends include novel probe compositions, advanced signal outputs, and multifunctional probing systems.
• AIE bioprobes are successfully applied in biospecies sensing, bioimaging, and theranostics.

Conclusions:

• AIE bioprobes represent a novel and powerful class of fluorescent light-up probing tools.
• The field is rapidly advancing with diverse applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Future prospects and challenges are identified to guide further research in this exciting area.