Organic Photoactive Materials with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics for Tumor Theranostics

Organic photoactive materials exhibit considerable potential in enhancing the precision of tumor diagnostics and therapeutics, owing to their distinctive photophysical characteristics and adaptable functional properties. Among these, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials exhibit superior performance attributes, including aggregation-enhanced fluorescence, robust photostability, and reduced background interference, thereby significantly enhancing the sensitivity of tumor imaging and therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the design and application of AIE-based organic photoactive materials for tumor diagnostics and therapeutics. We elaborate on innovative design strategies centered on specific targeted subcellular organelle localization, tumor microenvironment-triggered activation, tunable emission wavelengths, and the integration of photoimmunotherapeutic functionalities. Moreover, this article presents a forward-looking perspective on the future development landscape of this field, emphasizing the critical role of organic photoactive materials in enhancing tumor theranostics. It also provides strategic guidance to facilitate the clinical translation of photodiagnostic approaches.