Polymers showing cluster triggered emission as potential materials in biophotonic applications

The increasing number of infectious and chronic diseases, along with the rising healthcare demand caused by an aging population, has led the scientific community to seek novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that reduce both mortality rates and healthcare costs. Fluorescence-emission techniques, known for their high sensitivity, rapid response, real-time spatial-temporal resolution, and on-site capabilities, are emerging as key technologies in early diagnosis. However, the biocompatibility of fluorescence probes and their brightness in biological systems continue to be a bottleneck in realizing the full potential of this technique. To address this issue, researchers are turning to efficient luminescence based on through-space conjugation, which is achieved through the clustering of non-conventional chromophores. This review discusses the main recent findings on this phenomenon, analysing its emissive mechanism and how its characteristics can be applied in fields such as sensing, imaging, and various therapies, with a focus on its potential applications in biomedicine.