AIE-based theranostic systems for detection and killing of pathogens

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Xuewen He1,2, Ling-Hong Xiong3, Zheng Zhao1,2

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study and Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.

Theranostics
|June 28, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probes offer a novel approach for rapid pathogen detection and image-guided therapy. These fluorescent probes enable sensitive, specific pathogen identification and photodynamic inactivation, addressing global health threats.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses present significant global health risks.
  • Current pathogen detection methods like culture/colony counting and PCR are time-consuming and laborious.
  • The rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates urgent development of new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of luminogens with aggregation-induced emission (AIEgens) for pathogen detection and therapy.
  • To develop AIE-based supramolecular systems for sensitive and specific pathogen sensing.
  • To investigate the use of AIE nanostructures for image-guided photodynamic inactivation (PDI) therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Development of fluorescent probes utilizing AIEgens for pathogen sensing.
  • Construction of AIE-based supramolecular nanostructures.
  • Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of AIE probes for pathogen identification.
  • Assessment of the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) activity of AIE nanostructures.

Main Results:

  • AIEgens and their supramolecular systems function as effective fluorescent probes for 'turn-on' pathogen sensing.
  • These probes demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity in pathogen detection.
  • AIE-based nanostructures exhibit potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) activity against pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • AIE-based fluorescent probes offer a promising avenue for rapid and sensitive pathogen diagnosis.
  • AIE nanostructures provide a dual-function platform for both pathogen detection and image-guided PDI therapy.
  • This approach holds significant potential for combating pathogenic infections and addressing antimicrobial resistance.

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