Sternstunden der Materialien: Cell membrane targeting AIEgens for bioimaging and therapy

The cell membrane is a highly dynamic biological interface that maintains cellular integrity and mediates critical physiological processes. Owing to its outermost location and involvement in disease onset and progression, the cell membrane has emerged as a prominent therapeutic target. Luminogens with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics are uniquely suited for cell membrane-targeting bioimaging and therapy. This review makes an across-the-board summary of advanced research in cell membrane-targeting AIEgens from ingenious molecular design to dazzling applications in living system. The targeting principles are systematically classified and illustrated into four main categories. Subsequently, advanced bioimaging applications are highlighted, ranging from the precise discrimination of cancer cells and spatiotemporal imaging of the nervous system to the dynamic monitoring of membrane physiological processes. Furthermore, cell membrane-targeted phototherapy in cancer treatment is discussed, emphasizing its unique ability to bypass multidrug resistance, induce immunogenic cell death, and activate systemic antitumor immunity. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are outlined, emphasizing precision material engineering, multimodal theranostics, and the immense potential of these AIEgens in advanced optical imaging, brain science, and clinical translation.