A review of AIE-based theranostic strategies regarding antibiotic-tolerant microbial infections

The treatment of biofilm-associated infections and intracellular bacterial infections poses significant challenges due to the unique survival state of the bacteria. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have recently emerged in the biomedical field due to their distinctive photophysical properties. This review focuses on the applications of specific AIEgens for the imaging and eradication of antibiotic-tolerant microbial populations, in particular biofilms and intracellular bacteria. Various meticulously crafted and synthesized AIEgens exhibit remarkable adhesion and penetration capabilities when used in the context of biofilm-forming bacteria, leveraging their adaptable photoactivity and targeting properties. Upon illumination, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by AIEgens can effectively disrupt the biofilm structure, causing bacteria to detach from the biofilm and die. For intracellular bacteria, AIEgens can enter the host cell through a specific endocytosis mechanism or material wrapping, and generate ROS by light excitation in the intracellular environment, thereby acting precisely on the intracellular bacteria while avoiding excessive damage to the host cell. In summary, AIEgens have significant effects on the eradication of biofilms and intracellular bacteria, providing a promising material base for the development of novel strategies for the treatment of infectious diseases.