Utilization of aggregation-induced emission materials in urinary system diseases

Abstract

With the development of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials, the drawbacks of conventional fluorescence materials subjected to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) have been resolved. This has allowed for the improvement of novel AIE fluorescent materials that exhibit enhanced photostability, a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and better imaging quality. Meanwhile, the enhanced phototherapeutic effect of AIE materials has garnered widespread attention in the realm of tumor treatment. The distinct physiological and anatomical characteristics of the urinary system make it suitable for the use of AIE materials. Additionally, AIE-based phototherapy provides a superior solution to deal with the weaknesses of conventional treatments for urologic neoplasms. In this review, the scientific advancement on the use of AIE materials in urinary system diseases since the emergence of the AIE concept is reviewed in detail. The review highlights the promise of AIE materials for biomarkers detection, fluorescence imaging (FLI) in vivo and in vitro, AIE-based phototherapy, and synergistic therapy from both diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints. It is firmly believed that AIE materials hold immense untapped potential for the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disease, as well as all diseases of the human body.