Aggregation-induced emission sparkles in immunoassay

The advent of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens) has ushered a paradigm-shifting evolution in photonic science and analytical technology, characterized by their intrinsic “turn-on” fluorescence signal properties that manifests extraordinary luminescent quantum yield, exceptional anti-photobleaching stability, and concentration-dependent emission linearity. This groundbreaking discovery effectively overcomes the long-standing limitation of aggregation-caused quenching that has historically hindered conventional fluorophores. Herein, we provide an in-depth analysis of the state-of-the-art implementation of AIEgen-lighting-up immunoassays for the detection of various targets. A comprehensive overview of the activity-based and nanoemitter-based signal mechanisms through which AIEgens enhance immunoassay performance is presented, accompanied by a systematic decryption of the design principles underpinning advanced immunosensing platforms that integrate AIEgens. Notably, we highlight several representative paradigm-shifting applications where AIE-driven fluorescence immunoassays demonstrate unparalleled sensitivity, exceptional specificity, and remarkable precision and reliability. We also address key challenges and offer perspectives to guide the future evolution of this field. It is our hope that this review will stimulate renewed research interest and provide valuable insights for the design, development and translational application of AIE-powered immunoassays, ultimately bridging disciplinary gaps and fostering collaborative efforts to advance global health initiatives.