Fluorescent bio/chemosensors based on silole and tetraphenylethene luminogens with aggregation-induced emission feature

New fluorescent sensors have been developed, utilizing the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) attribute of silole and tetraphenylethene luminogens. In this feature article, we briefly summarize recent progress in the development of AIE-based bio/chemosensors for assays of nuclease and AChE activities, screening of inhibitors, and detection of various analytes including charged biopolymers, ionic species, volatile and explosive organic compounds.