Robust Acid-Responsive AILE Luminescence Effect Nanoparticle for Drug Release Monitoring and Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Through the PFOEP-SO3(-) + multidrug molecules constructed nanoparticle (NP) experiments and validated by molecular simulation docking experiments, we propose a molecular interaction principle for inducing aggregation-induced locally excited emission (AILE) luminescence from fluorenone (FO)-based conjugated polymers (CPs). Based on this molecular interaction mechanism, we constructed a NP built by π-π stacking. The NPs demonstrate facile synthesis, robust stability, and high drug-loading efficiency, enabling tumor-specific drug release in acidic lysosomal environments (pH 3.8-4.7) to minimize off-target toxicity. Concurrently, the PFOEPA NPs exhibit pH-dependent fluorescence enhancement: drug incorporation induces structural reorganization into a "sandwich" configuration, amplifying fluorescence with a blue shift under neutral/alkaline conditions, while acidic-triggered protonation collapse disrupts NPs. Moreover, it can be used as an indicator for monitoring drug release, as it is accompanied by changes in fluorescence during the drug release process. This NP possesses multiple functions and is expected to serve as an effective pH-responsive drug delivery system.