AIE-Active Fluorescence Sensors for Mycotoxin Detection: Design Principles, Sensing Mechanisms, and Analytical Applications

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, frequently contaminate food and feed commodities, posing significant threats to human health. The growing demand for highly sensitive, rapid, and field-deployable diagnostic techniques has driven substantial advancements in fluorescence sensing technologies for mycotoxin detection. In this context, aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based materials have emerged as a promising class of fluorophores, primarily because they overcome the aggregation-caused quenching phenomenon that typically limits conventional fluorescent probes. Characterized by superior photostability, high fluorescence quantum yields, tunable optical properties, and minimal background interference, AIE-based materials have enabled the development of highly organized fluorescence sensing platforms capable of detecting mycotoxins at trace levels. This study thoroughly outlines recent developments in AIE-mediated fluorescence systems for the detection of major mycotoxins. The fundamental principles of AIE phenomena and fluorescence analysis are primary presented, followed by an in-depth discussion of sensing mechanisms and signal transduction pathways employed in AIE-derived systems. The review specifically focuses on the integration of AIE materials with immunosensors, aptamers, MIPs, and portable devices to enhance analytical selectivity, sensitivity, and real-time applicability. Additionally, recent trends involving multiplex detection, multifunctional AIE probes, and point-of-care analytical tools are critically evaluated. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed.