AIEgen–lipid structures: Assembly and biological applications

Abstract

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules possess notable advantages outperforming traditional aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) materials on various aspects. They are rapidly developed these years. More and more AIE luminogens (AIEgens) are designed to possess multifunctions such as the abilities of near‐infrared two‐photon absorption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which could be used for deep tissue imaging and photodynamic therapy. The AIEgens exhibit great potential in biological application field. However, despite the photophysics stability and ROS generation ability in aggregated states are favorable conditions, their applications in biological field are retarded by uncontrolled size, single imaging mode, low targeting efficiency, and also poor biocompatibility and dispersibility in physiological environment. The combination of AIEgen and lipid is a straightforward, promising, and intensively used way to solve the above problems. Due to the special amphipathic property of lipid, which results from a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail structure, there are various possibilities of combination modes between lipid and AIEgen. Even a little procedure or condition change during the synthesis process will impact the structure of obtained product, which can further influence its application. Herein, we summarize the synthesis methods of different AIEgen–lipid compounds with diverse structures and properties, as well as their biological applications in this contribution, which has not been presented before, being aimed at serving as a synthesis and application reference for these promising AIEgen–lipid compounds applied in biological region.

Development of a fluorescent nanoprobe based on an amphiphilic single-benzene-based fluorophore for lipid droplet detection and its practical applications

“…The nanoprobe has a weak fluorescence, but its emission is significantly enhanced upon exposure to the LD components such as oleic acids (OA) by reassembling its nano-formulation. [47][48][49] We introduced BMeS-Ali for LDs imaging in cells (cancer cells, stem cells) and confirmed its high biocompatibility by cellular toxicity analysis. We also applied BMeS-Ali to monitor biologically derived lipids and visualize human fingerprints.…”

Amphiphilic AIEgen‐polymer aggregates: Design, self‐assembly and biomedical applications

“…This issue was overcome by encapsulating them within lipid structures to enhance their water solubility. [153] Integration of AIEgens in amphiphilic polymer assemblies was recognized as an alternative effective strategy. [38][39]52,[154][155][156] AIEgenic polymers, upon selfassembly, have been found to exhibit higher stability and durability than physically encapsulated AIEgens.…”

In Situ Generation of Heterocyclic Polymers by Triple‐Bond Based Polymerizations

“…The emission of AIE-luminogen is weak in its dissolved state but becomes considerably stronger upon aggregation formation. [52,[55][56][57][58] Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) is a typical AIE luminogen. [59] With TPE unit introduced in the polymer backbones, P13(1a/2a/3a) (Scheme 4A) exhibited typical aggregation induced emission (Figure 1B).…”