Recent trends in molecular aggregates: An exploration of biomedicine

Jeongyun Heo, Dhiraj P. Murale, Hey Young Yoon, V. Arun, Sangkee Choi, Eunha Kim, Jun Seok Lee, Sehoon Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

71 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Molecular aggregates are receiving tremendous attention, demonstrating immense potential for biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo. For instance, the molecular aggregates of conventional fluorophores influence the electronic excitation states of the aggregates, causing characteristic photophysical property changes. A fundamental understanding of this classical relationship between molecular aggregate structures and photophysics has allowed for innovative biological applications. The chemical characteristics of drug molecules generally trigger the formation of colloidal aggregates, and this is considered detrimental to the drug discovery process. Furthermore, nano-sized supramolecular aggregates have been used in biomedical imaging and therapy owing to their optimal properties for in vivo utility, including enhanced cell permeability, passive tumor targeting, and convenient surface engineering. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent trends in molecular aggregates for biomedical applications. The changes in photophysical properties of conventional fluorophores and their biological applications are discussed, followed by the effects of conventional drug molecule-aggregates on drug discovery and therapeutics development. Recent trends in the investigation of biologically important analytes with aggregation-induced emission are discussed for conventional and unconventional fluorophores. Lastly, we discuss nano-sized supramolecular aggregates used in imaging and therapeutic purposes, with a focus on in vivo utilization.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere159
JournalAggregate
Volume3
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022 Apr

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. Aggregate published by SCUT, AIEI, and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Keywords

  • aggregation-induced emission
  • molecular aggregate
  • nanomedicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry (miscellaneous)
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

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