State-of-the-art self-luminescence: a win–win situation. (18th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Mingwang; Zeng, Ziling; Lam, Jacky W. Y.; Fan, Jiangli; Pu, Kanyi; Tang, Ben Zhong
• Is Part Of: Chemical Society reviews. Volume 51:Number 21(2022)
• Page Start: 8815
• Page End: 8831
• Publication Date: 2022-10-18
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00228k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-0012

Abstract

Abstract : The working principles, luminescent mechanisms, versatile integrated approaches and advantages, and future perspectives of AIE-assisted "enhanced" self-luminescence systems are reviewed. Abstract : Self-luminescence, which eliminates the real-time external optical excitation, can effectively avoid background autofluorescence in photoluminescence, endowing with ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity in bioassay. Furthermore, in situ generated and emitted photons have been applied to develop excitation-free diagnostics and therapeutic agents against deeply seated diseases. "Enhanced" self-luminescence, referring to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-integrated self-luminescence systems, is endowed with not only the above merits but also other superiorities including stronger luminous brightness and longer half-life compared with "traditional" self-luminescence platforms. As an emerging and booming hotspot, the "enhanced" self-luminescence facilitated by the win–win cooperation of the aggregation-induced emission and self-luminescent techniques has become a powerful tool for interdisciplinary research. This tutorial review summarizes the advancements of AIE-assisted self-luminescence including chemiluminescence and afterglow imaging, starting from the discussion on the design and working principles, luminescent mechanisms of self-luminescence fuels, versatile integrated approaches and advantages, and a broad range of representative examples in biosensors and oncotherapy. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives are discussed to further actuate the development of "enhanced" self-luminescence agents for biomedical diagnosis and treatment.