Thiophene π‐bridge‐based second near‐infrared luminogens with aggregation‐induced emission for biomedical applications

Abstract

In the past five years, AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) optical window have aroused great interest in bioimaging and disease phototheranostics benefiting from the merits of deep penetration depth, reduced light‐scatting, high spatial resolution and minimal photo‐damage. To construct NIR‐II AIEgens, thiophene derivatives are frequently adopted as π‐bridge by virtue of its electron‐rich feature and good modifiability. Herein, we summarize the recent progress of NIR‐II AIEgens by employing thiophene derivatives as π‐bridge mainly compassing unsubstituted thiophene, alkyl thiophene, 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene and benzo[c]thiophene, with a discussion about their structure‐property relationships and biomedical applications. Finally, a brief conclusion and perspective in this fascinating area is offered.

Recent advances in AIEgen-based chemosensors for small molecule detection, with a focus on ion sensing

“…Focussing on the opportunities as well as challenges in this field may guide the researchers towards new avenues of exploration and refinement, paving the way for the development of new novel AIE materials with exceptional functionalities and diverse applications. 229…”