Aggregation‐enhanced theranostics: AIE sparkles in biomedical field

TLDR

Theranostics, integrating diagnostics and therapeutics, has attracted attention for personalized medicine, and aggregation‑induced emission (AIE) fluorophores—biocompatible, highly fluorescent, easily functionalized, and capable of enhancing photosensitization—have driven recent breakthroughs in multi‑modality theranostics. This review aims to highlight the aggregation‑enhanced advantages of AIE luminogens in disease theranostics, covering imaging, photodynamic therapy, and multi‑modality theranostic construction. It synthesizes experimental data and theoretical simulations to outline strategies for designing highly effective AIE‑active theranostics through induced aggregation. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future perspectives in AIE‑based disease theranostics.

Abstract

Abstract Theranostics referring to the ingenious integration of diagnostics and therapeutics has garnered tremendous attention in these years as it provides a promising opportunity for modern personalized and precision medicine. By virtue of the good biocompatibility, outstanding fluorescence property, easy processability and functionalization, promoted photosensitizing efficiency, as well as facile construction of multi‐modality theranostics, fluorophores with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics exhibit inexhaustible and vigorous vitality in the field of theranostics. Numerous significant breakthroughs and state‐of‐the‐art progression have been witnessed in the past few years. This review highlights the tremendous aggregation‐enhanced superiorities of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) in disease theranostics mainly involving diagnostic imaging (fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence), therapeutic intervention (photodynamic therapy), and feasibility in construction of multi‐modality theranostics based on the experimental measurements and theoretical simulations. Additionally, the latest and advanced developments of AIEgens in disease theranostics in the aspect of corresponding strategies to design highly effective AIE‐active theranostics through triggering aggregation formation are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, a brief conclusion with the discussion of current challenges and future perspectives in this area is further presented.