Fluorescent assemblies: Synergistic of amphiphilic molecules and fluorescent elements

In recent years, fluorescent assemblies based amphiphilic molecules have gained attention as unique and powerful materials for multiple applications that cover sensors, optoelectronics and bioimaging because of amphiphilic molecules self-assembly with outstanding flexibility and diversity spanning assembly structure from micelles, vesicles and nano-assemblies to gels. Weak and noncovalent interactions are important driving force for assemblies. The combination of the structural characteristics of self-assembly and the fluorescent properties of the fluorescent building element render the fluorescent material versatility and their easy-to-tune properties. Amphiphilic molecules can be used as building elements to co-assemble with dye molecules, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) gens, fluorescent nanoparticles and new amphiphilic molecules containing fluorescent groups can also be designed and prepared with self-assembly capability. Concomitantly, the improvement of fluorescence performance including fluorescence intensity, quantum yield, stability and controllability during assembly proved outstanding properties of fluorescence assemblies. These promising fluorescent assemblies are by far not exhaustive in construction method and mechanism explanation but foreshadow their more potential applications. Here, we will understand deeper the fluorescent assemblies and inspire future developments and applications employing this emerging fluorescence soft materials.