Application of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in the urinary system disease

AIE is a unique photophysical phenomenon, and its distinctive luminescence properties have demonstrated significant potential in the biomedical field. In urinary system diseases, AIE materials, with their high quantum yield, excellent optical properties, and environmental responsiveness, have been widely applied in the early diagnosis, precise treatment, and drug delivery of urinary system cancers. This review systematically summarizes the applications of AIE materials in urinary cancers, such as bladder cancer, renal cancer, prostate cancer, and upper urinary tract cancer, including fluorescence imaging, photodynamic therapy, and drug delivery techniques. Additionally, the review explores the application of AIE materials in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections and renal lesions, as well as their advantages when combined with other imaging technologies (e.g., CT, MRI, and ultrasound). Furthermore, the article analyzes the challenges faced in clinical translation, such as biocompatibility, stability, and large-scale synthesis, while proposing future development directions, including customized molecular design and multifunctional applications combined with nanotechnology.