Lighting up forensic science by aggregation-induced emission: A review.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Forensic investigations demand rapid, sensitive, and interference-resistant imaging tools for on-site analysis.
• Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials offer unique luminescence properties, overcoming aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) challenges.
• AIE materials show significant potential for advancing forensic bio-analysis and chemical detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the first comprehensive review of AIE applications in forensic science.
• To summarize the current state and future prospects of AIE in various forensic disciplines.
• To stimulate further research into AIE materials for forensic advancements.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on AIE materials and their forensic applications.
• Categorization of AIE applications based on forensic sub-disciplines.
• Discussion of AIE's role in toxic substance determination, bio-imaging, and criminal investigations.

Main Results:

• AIE materials are effective for determining toxic substances, aiding in poisoning death investigations.
• AIE facilitates bio-imaging and analysis of forensic markers in both living and deceased individuals.
• AIE applications extend to fingerprint and blood stain recognition, explosive detection, and anti-counterfeiting measures.

Conclusions:

• AIE materials present a promising platform for diverse forensic applications due to their superior luminescence characteristics.
• The integration of AIE technology can significantly enhance the speed, sensitivity, and reliability of forensic investigations.
• Further research into AIE materials will be crucial for unlocking their full potential in revolutionizing forensic science.