In-Situ Encapsulation of AIEgens in Nanoconfined Pores Over MOFs for High-Resolution Recognition of 3-Level Latent...

Latent fingerprints (LFPs) hold significant forensic value for suspect identification and crime scene linkage, yet current methods on second-level characteristics are difficult for personal identification from incomplete LFPs. To address this, we developed a composite material through in-situ encapsulation of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials within zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) via a one-step process. This unique configuration leverages ZIF-L's nanoconfinement effects and host-guest interactions to restrict AIE molecular motion, resulting in enhanced fluorescence intensity and photostability. The resulting AIE-2.5@ZIF-L demonstrated a synergy mechanism involving pressure differential gradients, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding, enabling selective binding to secretion residues on LFPs ridges. Subsequent red fluorescence emission achieved precise resolution of Level 3 LFPs features (pore distribution, ridge edge contours). This work establishes a design paradigm for AIE-functionalized MOFs and provides a scientific foundation for high-accuracy identification of partial LFPs in forensic applications.