Cellular organelle-targeted smart AIEgens in tumor detection, imaging and therapeutics

The cell contains various organelles that perform different functions using different biological processes to form a complete organic architecture. Healthy cells and tumor cells often show clear differences in cellular homeostasis. Specific detection, imaging, and therapeutic strategies targeting organelles have been found to be effective for tumor diagnosis and therapy. The multiple functions of AIEgens make them attractive over other nanomaterials, and the application of AIEgens has increased dramatically in tumor-related nanomedicine, specifically, for the detection, bioimaging, and therapy of cancers. Here, recent advances in AIEgen applications targeting specific organelles are summarized. The ability of AIEgens to target specific organelles has enhanced various diagnostic and therapeutic applications of this technology, and this review will provide guidance for further exploration in AIEgen-related nanomedicine.