Anion Effect on Charged AIEgens-Based Aggregates

Charged aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) are highly valued materials with attractive applications. However, the discussion of charged AIEgens with the characteristics of charged compounds is always centered around the cationic luminescence part, and the possible influence brought by anion effects is usually ignored especially in the field of aggregate science. Coupled with the complicated synthesis and purification processes of the brand-new cationic nucleus, it is paramount to develop simpler and more feasible methods to enhance cognition and extend their performance. Herein, three new ionic compounds based on TPE-IQ-2TPA (TI2T) cationic core utilizing an anion substitution strategy are investigated. Interestingly, this strategy can modify molecular aggregation behavior regarding the photophysical process and arrangement of the molecules. Consequently, fluorescence emission, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability, and mechanochromism response properties varied accordingly. Moreover, this strategic regulation of the physical parameters of self-assembled nanoparticles facilitates the visual identification of living or dead cells, while also selectively illuminating S. aureus and C. albicans. This study demonstrates that anion engineering is a powerful tool for investigating aggregated states and provides a new platform for practical applications of advanced materials, especially in the fields of stimulus-response, biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and treatment. Through the anion substitute strategy, the photophysical process, molecular accumulation, and characterization of self-assembled nanoparticles can be modified. Correspondingly, the various properties of aggregates are regulated, including the regulation of fluorescence and reactive oxygen production, the mechanochromism response properties, and the difference in the binding ability between molecules and organisms finally selectively illuminating S. aureus and C. albicans.image