2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole derivative AIEgens for smart phototheranostics

Light-mediated nano-theranostics (LMNT), a type of phototheranostic system, is a promising precision medicine technology. Further, 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole derivatives (BTDs) is an important acceptor with high fluorescence quantum yields, excellent chemical and optical stability, and multiple modifiable sites, which are widely used in the preparation of high-performance nano phototheranostic biomaterials. In addition, aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have inherent twisted structures and plentiful motion moieties, which can flexibly regulate diverse energy consumption pathways. BTDs-AIEgens, which combine the advantages of BTDs and AIEgens, display excellent potential for LMNT applications. In this review, we focus on the development of BTDs-AIEgens on molecular design strategy, smart bio-imaging, and tumor phototherapy. We also discuss the close correlation between chemical structures, photophysical properties, and phototheranostic outcomes. Finally, we discuss the current state and challenges of this field and potential future directions. Our aim was to provide certain reference significance for the design and development of novel BTDs-AIEgens as “key players” in LMNT field.