Nanocarrier-empowered aggregation-induced luminescence and its therapeutic promise in oncology

Owing to their twisted molecular structure, aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) exhibit superior photophysical properties and therapeutic efficiency in their aggregated states in vivo. However, they readily form random aggregates, exhibit high fluorescent background noise and are not capable of controlled release, which limit their applications. Fortunately, nanocarriers, as a mature technology, can be integrated with AIEgens to overcome these limitations. Through surface modification, it enables targeted delivery, incorporates versatile therapeutic modules, and establishes an integrated platform for tumor theranostics. Accordingly, the combination of nanocarriers and AIEgens can facilitate the formation of controllable AIE aggregates, optimizing the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. This review classifies and summarizes nanocarriers based on their structural characteristics. Their advantages in tumor therapy are elaborately discussed, and the AIEgens-mediated enhancement mechanisms are described in detail. This review provides a clear guidance for improving the feasibility of AIEgens in tumor therapy.