A Fluorescent Probe with Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Detecting Alkaline Phosphatase and Cell Imaging

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is associated with many diseases, and its accurate detection is of great significance. Fluorescent compounds with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature show beneficial advantages for serving as fluorescent probes. Herein, an AIE‐active “turn on” probe for ALP detection was synthesized through incorporating a strong electron‐withdrawing group (cyano) in the middle and the recognition moiety phosphate group at the end, thereby rendering a D–A–D structure with a relatively high conjugation degree and good water solubility. It was found that the probe TPE‐CN‐pho is highly sensitive to ALP in aqueous solution. In the presence of ALP, the hydrophilic phosphate group on the probe is rapidly removed, resulting in a decrease in water solubility and subsequent formation of aggregates, thereby achieving aggregation‐induced emission. Moreover, the probe TPE‐CN‐pho has also been successfully applied to imaging ALP in living cells.     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics of o‐Carborane‐Functionalized Tetraphenylethylene Luminogens: The Influence of Carborane Cages on Photoluminescence

Tetraphenylethylene (TPE)–carborane hybrids are constructed, and the impact of carborane substituents on the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics of TPE‐cores has been investigated. When altering the 2‐R‐group on the carborane unit with ‐H, ‐CH₃ or phenyl group, the luminescent quantum yield of the corresponding TPE derivatives can be manipulated from 0.18 to 0.63 in the solid state. The emission color exhibits an obvious 100 nm shift (from blue to yellow).     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission: New Vistas at the Aggregate Level

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) describes a photophysical phenomenon in which molecular aggregates exhibit stronger emission than the single molecules. Over the course of the last 20 years, AIE research has made great strides in material development, mechanistic study and high‐tech applications. The achievements of AIE research demonstrate that molecular aggregates show many properties and functions that are absent in molecular species. In this review, we summarize the advances in the field of AIE and its related areas. We specifically focus on the new properties of materials attained by molecular aggregates beyond the microscopic molecular level. We hope this review will inspire more research into molecular ensembles at and beyond the meso level and lead to the significant progress in material and biological science.     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission: Recent Advances in Materials and Biomedical Applications

The concept of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) has opened new opportunities in many research fields. Motivated by the unique feature of AIE fluorogens (AIEgens), during the past decade, many AIE molecular probes and AIE nanoparticle (NP) probes have been developed for sensing, imaging and theranostic applications with excellent performance outperforming conventional fluorescent probes. This Review summarizes the latest advancement of AIE molecular probes and AIE NP probes and their emerging biomedical applications. Special focus is to reveal how the AIE probes are evolved with the development of new multifunctional AIEgens, and how new strategies have been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional AIE probes for more translational applications via fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging and image‐guided photodynamic/photothermal therapy. The outlook discusses the challenges and future opportunities for AIEgens to advance the biomedical field.     

Super‐quenched Molecular Probe Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Photoinduced Electron Transfer Mechanisms for Formaldehyde Detection in Human Serum

Energy transfer between fluorescent dyes and quenchers is widely used in the design of light‐up probes. Although dual quenchers are more effective in offering lower background signals and higher turn‐on ratios than one quencher, such probes are less explored in practice as they require both quenchers to be within the proximity of the fluorescent core. In this contribution, we utilized intramolecular motion and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) as quenching mechanisms to build super‐quenched light‐up probes based on fluorogens with aggregation‐induced emission. The optimized light‐up probe possesses negligible background and is able to detect not only free formaldehyde (FA) but also polymeric FA, with an unprecedented turn‐on ratio of >4900. We envision that this novel dual quenching strategy will help to develop various light‐up probes for analyte sensing.     

Specific Light‐Up Bioprobe with Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Activatable Photoactivity for the Targeted and Image‐Guided Photodynamic Ablation of Cancer Cells

Activatable photosensitizers (PSs) have been widely used for the simultaneous fluorescence imaging and photodynamic ablation of cancer cells. However, the ready aggregation of traditional PSs in aqueous media can lead to fluorescence quenching as well as reduced phototoxicity even in the activated form. We have developed a series of PSs that show aggregation‐enhanced emission and phototoxicity and thus the exact opposite behavior to that of previously reported PSs. We further developed a dual‐targeted enzyme‐activatable bioprobe based on the optimized photosensitizer and describe simultaneous light‐up fluorescence imaging and activated photodynamic therapy for specific cancer cells. The design of smart probes should thus open new opportunities for targeted and image‐guided photodynamic therapy.     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE): A Historical Perspective

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) has attracted considerable interest over the last twenty years. In contrast to the large number of available reviews focusing specifically on AIE, this Essay discusses the AIE phenomenon from a broader perspective, with an emphasis on early observations related to AIE made long before the term was coined. Illustrative examples are highlighted from the 20th century where fluorescence enhancement upon rigidification of dyes in viscous or solid environments or J‐aggregate formation was studied. It is shown that these examples already include typical AIE luminogens such as tetraphenylethylene (TPE) as well as stilbenes and oligo‐ or polyphenylenevinylenes and ‐ethynylenes, which became important fluorescent solid‐state materials in OLED research in the 1990s. Further examples include cyanine dyes such as thiazole orange (TO) or its dimers (TOTOs), which have been widely applied as molecular probes in nucleic acid research. The up to 10 000‐fold fluorescence enhancement of such dyes upon intercalation into double‐stranded DNA, attributable to the restricted intramolecular motion (RIM) concept, afforded commercial products for bioimaging and fluorescence sensing applications already in the early 1990s.     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Visualization in Materials Science

Fluorescent imaging techniques have attracted much attention as a powerful tool to realize the visualization of structural and morphological evolution of various materials. However, the traditional fluorescent dyes usually suffered from aggregation‐caused quenching, which severely limits the visualization results. In contrast, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules with high quantum yields in the condensed state showed great opportunities for imaging techniques. In this feature article, recent progresses in visualization with AIE molecules are discussed. Assembly processes including crystallization, gelation process, and dissipative assembly have been observed. To better study information obtained regarding the processes, visualization during reactions, phase transitions, and molecular motions are successfully presented. Based on these successes, AIE molecules were further applied for phase recognition, macro‐dispersion evaluation, and damage detection. Finally, we also present the outlook and perspectives, in our opinion, for the development of visualization by AIE molecules.     

Super‐Resolution Imaging of the Golgi in Live Cells with a Bioorthogonal Ceramide Probe

We report a lipid‐based strategy to visualize Golgi structure and dynamics at super‐resolution in live cells. The method is based on two novel reagents: a trans‐cyclooctene‐containing ceramide lipid (Cer‐TCO) and a highly reactive, tetrazine‐tagged near‐IR dye (SiR‐Tz). These reagents assemble via an extremely rapid “tetrazine‐click” reaction into Cer‐SiR, a highly photostable “vital dye” that enables prolonged live‐cell imaging of the Golgi apparatus by 3D confocal and STED microscopy. Cer‐SiR is nontoxic at concentrations as high as 2 μM and does not perturb the mobility of Golgi‐resident enzymes or the traffic of cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi and to the plasma membrane.     

Development of a 18F‐Labeled Tetrazine with Favorable Pharmacokinetics for Bioorthogonal PET Imaging

A low‐molecular‐weight ¹⁸F‐labeled tetrazine derivative was developed as a highly versatile tool for bioorthogonal PET imaging. Prosthetic groups and undesired carrying of ¹⁸F through additional steps were evaded by direct ¹⁸F‐fluorination of an appropriate tetrazine precursor. Reaction kinetics of the cycloaddition with trans‐cyclooctenes were investigated by applying quantum chemical calculations and stopped‐flow measurements in human plasma; the results indicated that the labeled tetrazine is suitable as a bioorthogonal probe for the imaging of dienophile‐tagged (bio)molecules. In vitro and in vivo investigations revealed high stability and PET/MRI in mice showed fast homogeneous biodistribution of the ¹⁸F‐labeled tetrazine that also passes the blood–brain barrier. An in vivo click experiment confirmed the bioorthogonal behavior of this novel tetrazine probe. Due to favorable chemical and pharmacokinetic properties this bioorthogonal agent should find application in bioimaging and biomedical research.     

Unraveling Dual Aggregation‐Induced Emission Behavior in Steric‐Hindrance Photochromic System for Super Resolution Imaging

Unprecedented dual aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior based on a steric‐hindrance photochromic system is presented, with incorporation one or two bulky aryl groups, resulting in different flexibleness. The dual AIE behavior of open and closed isomers can be explained by restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR), restriction of intramolecular vibration (RIV), and intermolecular stacking. The large bulky benzothiophene causes restricted rotation, enhancing the emission of open form in solution and weak π–π molecular packing, thereby efficiently enhancing the luminescence performance in the solid state. With incorporation of two large bulky benzothiophene groups, BBTE possesses the most outstanding AIE activity, undergoing highly efficient and reversible off‐to‐on fluorescence in film upon alternating UV and visible light irradiation along with excellent fatigue resistance. The off‐to‐on fluorescent photoswitch is successfully established in super resolution imaging.     

Squaraine Dyes: Interaction with Bovine Serum Albumin to Investigate Supramolecular Adducts with Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) Properties

Bovine serum albumin (BSA)–squaraine supramolecular adducts with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods. While squaraine dyes showed a very low fluorescence quantum yield in water, a great enhancement in the fluorescence of the aggregated BSA adducts was achieved due to the abnormal aggregation‐induced emission properties of squaraines. The adducts formation was studied from a kinetic point of view showing unexpected structure–properties relationships.     

A Fluorescent Probe for Hg2+ Based on Gold(I) Complex with An Aggregation‐Induced Emission Feature

A gold(I) complex that exhibited aggregation‐induced emission in acetonitrile‐water mixtures was designed. It showed high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg²⁺ in acetonitrile‐H₂O (1:1, V:V) solution. Dynamic light scattering measurements were conducted to verify that the addition of Hg²⁺ changed the particle size and induced fluorescence quenching.     

Membrane‐Anchoring Photosensitizer with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics for Combating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria

Traditional photosensitizers (PSs) show reduced singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production and quenched fluorescence upon aggregation in aqueous media, which greatly affect their efficiency in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Meanwhile, non‐targeting PSs generally yield low efficiency in antibacterial performance due to their short lifetimes and small effective working radii. Herein, a water‐dispersible membrane anchor (TBD‐anchor) PS with aggregation‐induced emission is designed and synthesized to generate ¹O₂ on the bacterial membrane. TBD‐anchor showed efficient antibacterial performance towards both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Over 99.8 % killing efficiency was obtained for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) when they were exposed to 0.8 μm of TBD‐anchor at a low white light dose (25 mW cm^?2) for 10 minutes. TBD‐anchor thus shows great promise as an effective antimicrobial agent to combat the menace of multidrug‐resistant bacteria.     

Aggregation‐Induced Emission Active Probe for Light‐Up Detection of Anionic Surfactants and Wash‐Free Bacterial Imaging

Anionic surfactants are widely used in daily life and industries, but their residues can cause serious damage to the environment. The current detection methods for anionic surfactants suffer from various limitations and a new detection strategy is highly desirable. Based on 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole fluorogen with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics, we have developed a fluorescent probe HBT‐C₁₈ for selective and sensitive detection of anionic surfactants. By in situ formation of catanionic aggregates or micelles with anionic surfactants, the emission intensity of the HBT‐C₁₈ probe can increase with increasing keto/enol emission ratio through restriction of intramolecular motion and excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer mechanisms. The probe can also be used for wash‐free imaging of bacteria enveloped by a negatively charged outer membrane. The results of this study provide a new strategy for sensitive detection of anionic surfactants and wash‐free bacterial imaging.     

An Easily Accessible Ionic Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogen with Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Switchable Emission and Wash‐Free Imaging Ability

Ionic fluorophores are powerful tools for the study of environmental science and bio‐imaging. However, traditional ionic dyes usually require long synthetic steps and suffer from a quenching effect caused by aggregation. A water‐soluble ionic aggregation‐induced emission luminogen called DBTA is presented, which is readily accessed by a one‐step reaction. The switchable emission manipulated by hydrogen bonding provided solid evidence for the restriction of intramolecular motions as the mechanism of aggregation‐induced emission. DBTA can not only differentiate solvents with different H‐bond donor acidities but also capable of wash‐free imaging in living HeLa cells and fish larva.     

基于聚集诱导发光荧光探针的细胞成像研究进展

荧光探针是化学传感技术领域在20世纪末的一项重大发现,具有合成简单、灵敏度高、选择性好、响应时间短、可视化高等优点。 将具有聚集诱导发光现象(AIE)特征的荧光基团与具有生物相容性的高分子结合起来,使得荧光材料具有毒性低、光稳定性好、生物相容性好等特点。 在分子、离子检测和细胞成像技术中得到广泛的研究和应用。 本文综述了细胞质成像、细胞膜成像、线粒体成像、溶酶体成像、脂滴成像、细胞核成像、细胞核和线粒体双靶向性成像的荧光探针,并对其应用前景做了展望。     

Fluorogenic Thorium Sensors Based on 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid‐Substituted Tetraphenylethenes with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics

A novel fluorescent sensor based on tetraphenylethene (TPE) modified with 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) that shows aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics for thorium recognition with remarkable fluoresence enhancement response has been synthesized. This sensor is capable of visually distinguishing Th⁴⁺ among lanthanides, transition metals, and alkali metals under UV light. Th⁴⁺ can be detected by the naked eye at ppb levels owing to the AIE phenomenon. The sensor showed high selectivity for Th⁴⁺ compared to all other metals tested, and this recognition displayed good anti‐interference qualities. This study represents the first application of a AIE fluorescence sensor in actinide metal recognition and it has potential applications in environmental systems for thorium ion detection.