Recent advances in emerging nanozymes with aggregation-induced emission

Abstract

AIE luminogens (AIEgens) are a class of unique fluorescent molecules that exhibit significantly enhanced luminescence properties and excellent photostability in the aggregated state. Recently, it has been found that some AIEgens can produce reactive oxygen species, which means that they may have potential enzyme-like activities and are thus termed “AIEzymes”. Consequently, the discovery and design of novel AIEgens with enzyme-like properties have emerged as a new and exciting research direction. Additionally, AIEgens can enhance the catalytic efficiency of traditional nanozymes by direct combination, thereby endowing the nanozymes with multifunctionality. In this regard, nanozymes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, which represents a win–win integration, not only take full advantage of the low cost and stability of nanozymes, but also incorporate the excellent biocompatibility and fluorescence properties of AIEgens. These synergistic compounds bring about new opportunities for various applications, making AIEzymes of interest in biomedical research, food analysis, environmental monitoring, and especially imaging-guided diagnostics. This review will provide an overview of the latest strategies and achievements in the rational design and preparation of AIEzymes, as well as current research trends, future challenges and prospective solutions. We expect that this work will encourage and motivate more people to study and explore AIEzymes to further promote their applications in various fields.