Aggregation-induced Emission Research Articles

A triphenylamine-based aggregation-induced emission active fluorescent probe for fluorescent ink, fingerprint powder, and visual detection of salmon freshness.

Multifunctional fluorescent probes have attracted much attention due to their wide range of applications and high utilization. In this study, a multifunctional fluorescent probe (E)-3-(4-(7-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)benzo[c] [1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)phenyl)acrylic acid (TBAC) based on triphenylamine was designed and synthesized. The TBAC probe provided excellent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance and could be used as a fluorescent ink for printing. It was also prepared successfully for application as a fingerprint powder, facilitating the visual detection of invisible fingerprints on surfaces such as glass, plastic, tinfoil, metal, aluminum, and resin. The probe exhibited a clear fluorescence response to 12 volatile amines via an AIE-based 'on-off' mechanism in an EtOH/H2O (4/6, v/v) solution. The TBAC/bromocresol green (BCG) indicator label also enabled non-destructive and rapid assessment of salmon freshness through dual-channel colorimetric and fluorescence responses. The versatility of TBAC makes it a promising material for various applications, including fluorescent materials, criminal detection, and food safety. This study provides a new basis for the multifunctional application of fluorescent probes. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aggregation Behavior of α-Substituted Dibenzoylmethanatoboron Difluoride Complex with Various Alkyl Groups in Water/Acetone Mixtures

Abstract Dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride complexes (BF2DBM) exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties by introducing a methyl group at the α-position of the dioxaboroline ring. In this study, we synthesized α-substituted BF2DBM derivatives with alkyl groups and evaluated their photophysical and AIE properties as a function of water fraction (fw) in water/acetone mixtures. The aggregation behavior of the BF2DBMs differed depending on fw, although they exhibited AIE independently of the alkyl groups. The fw dependence suggested that the alkyl groups exhibit hierarchical aggregation behavior, indicating that alkyl groups affect the intermolecular stacking pattern based on the X-ray crystallography, leading to the difference in the fluorescence properties of the crystals.

Exploring Surface State and Exciplex Dominated Aggregation Induced Electrochemiluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots Prepared Via Electrochemical Exfoliation.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising materials for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications due to their unique optical and electronic properties. In this study, GQDs were synthesized via electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in a constant current density mode, enabling scalable production with controlled size and surface functionalization. GQDs-4 and GQDs-20, synthesized at applied current densities of 4 mA/cm2 and 20 mA/cm2 to the graphite electrode, respectively, were investigated on roles of surface states and exciplex dominated aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in their ECL performance. GQDs-4 revealed an absolute ECL quantum efficiency of up to 0.0012%. GQDs-20, with a smaller particle size, achieved an absolute ECL quantum efficiency of up to 0.03%, demonstrating high efficiency in converting electrons into photons. While GQDs-4 exhibited minor intensity in PL and ECL, they displayed a similar emission spectrum to GQDs-20 in the ECL process. This finding highlights the significant role of surface states and AIE in influencing the emission properties of GQDs, independent from core-state transitions. These results provide critical insights into the mechanisms governing GQD-based ECL and offer pathways for optimizing these materials for use in biosensing, optoelectronics, and imaging applications.

Aggregation-Caused Quenching Dyes as Potent Tools to Track the Integrity of Antitumor Nanocarriers: A Mini-Review

Cancer has become one of the major causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment. To enhance the tumor-targeting efficiency of chemotherapy agents, pharmaceutical scientists have developed nanocarriers. However, the in vivo structural integrity and dynamic changes in nanocarriers after administration are not well understood, which may significantly impact their tumor-targeting abilities. In this paper, we propose the use of environmentally responsive fluorescent probes to track the integrity of antitumor nanocarriers. We compare three main types of dyes: fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) dyes, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) dyes, and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) dyes. Among them, ACQ dyes, possessing sensitive water-quenching properties and easily detected “on–off” switching behavior, are regarded as the most promising choice. We believe that ACQ dyes are suitable for investigating the in vivo fate of antitumor nanocarriers and can aid in designing improved nanoformulations for chemotherapy agents.

Pressure-Induced Emission Enhancement of Multi-Resonance o-Carborane Derivatives via Exciton‒Vibration Coupling Suppression.

Polycyclic multiple resonance (MR) molecules reveal narrowband emission, making them very promising emitters for high color purity display. Nevertheless, they still have challenges such as aggregation-induced emission quenching and spectral broadening. Overcoming these obstacles requires an in-depth understanding of the correlations among the alterations in their geometries, packing structures, and molecular vibrations and their corresponding changes in their photoluminescence (PL) properties. Herein, it is demonstrated that high-pressure infrared, UV-visible absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopies can be combined with computational results to elucidate the influence of the subtle structural variations on the exciton‒vibration couplings and their PL properties. An ortho-carborane-decorated MR emitter (BNC) is a piezochromic molecule and exhibits emission enhancement under high pressure. A thorough analysis of the in situ experimental measurements and calculated results reveals that the pressure-induced changes in the exciton binding energy and exciton‒vibration couplings are responsible for the unusual piezochromism. This research provides insights into the structure‒fluorescence relationship and potential for high-pressure techniques to optimize MR materials for advanced organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) applications.

Assessment of the Microbiological Potential and Spectroscopic Properties of New Imino-1,3,4-Thiadiazoles Showing the ESIPT Effect Strongly Enhanced by Aggregation

There is currently a growing interest in imino derivatives of compounds such as thiadiazoles and other groups of compounds whose extended π-electron systems enhance their photophysical properties. These compounds also show low toxicity and strong antifungal activity, making them effective against fungal pathogens in crops. For the above reasons, in the first part of the paper, the structure of the selected analogs was considered, and detailed spectroscopic analyses were conducted focusing on the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process taking place in the same. Measurements were taken in terms of absorption spectroscopy and electron fluorescence, synchronous spectra, and fluorescence lifetimes, as well as calculations of fluorescence quantum efficiency in selected solvents and concentrations. In the spectral observations, the ESIPT process was manifested in several solvents as very distinct dual fluorescence. Moreover, in selected molecules, this phenomenon was strongly related to molecular aggregation, which was associated with not very efficient but nonetheless visible fluorescence of the AIE (Aggregation-Induced Emission) type. In the second part of the paper, a detailed preliminary study is presented exploring the microbiological properties of selected imino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives in the context of their potential applicability as inhibitors affecting the development and growth of some of the most important fungal pathogens attacking cereal crops and posing an increasing threat to modern agriculture. Overall, the research presented in this article provides a detailed, experimental analysis of the spectroscopic properties of selected imino-thiadiazoles and points to their potential use as novel and effective solutions capable of limiting the growth and development of fungal pathogens in cereals.

Photoredox-Mediated Immunotherapy Utilizing Rhenium(I) Photocatalysts with Electron Donor-Acceptor-Donor Configuration.

The hypoxic environment of solid tumors significantly diminishes the therapeutic efficacy of oxygen-dependent photodynamic therapy. Developing efficient photosensitizers that operate via photoredox catalysis presents a promising strategy to overcome this challenge. Herein, we report the rational design of two rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes (Re-TPO and Re-TP) with electron donor-acceptor-donor configuration. Notably, Re-TP exhibits aggregation-induced emission properties and enhanced spin-orbit coupling compared to Re-TPO, thus exhibiting promoted photosensitizing capability. In addition to generating type I and II reactive oxygen species, the excited Re-TP facilitates the photocatalytic oxidation of NADH to NAD+ and the photoreduction of pyruvic acid to lactic acid. This metabolic intervention triggers PD-L1-linked immune responses and disrupts tumor redox balance, leading to ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death. The combined ferroptosis and immunotherapy effects significantly suppress both primary and distant B16 tumors. This investigation provides a compelling model for designing efficient metal-based PSs for photoredox-mediated photoimmunotherapy against hypoxic tumors.

Rational design of AIEgens through π-bridge engineering for dual-modal photodynamic and photothermal therapy.

A series of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) architecture were rationally designed and synthesized through π-bridge engineering for dual-modal photodynamic and photothermal therapy. The AIEgens (TPT, TFT, and TTT) were constructed using methoxy-substituted tetraphenylene as the electron donor and tricyanofuran as the electron acceptor, connected via different π-bridges (phenyl, furan, or thiophene). These compounds exhibited red-shifted absorption (460-545nm) and emission (712-720nm) with remarkable aggregation-induced emission characteristics. Among them, TTT demonstrated superior photophysical properties and was successfully encapsulated into amphiphilic calixarene-based nanoparticles (T@Q NPs) with uniform morphology. The T@Q NPs showed efficient reactive oxygen species generation and photothermal conversion (η=6.98%), enabling effective tumor cell ablation through combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy. In vivo studies revealed that T@Q NPs achieved 70% tumor growth inhibition in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice without obvious systemic toxicity. This work presents an effective strategy for designing AIEgens-based phototherapeutic agents through π-bridge engineering, offering promising candidates for clinical translation in tumor phototherapy.

Substituent-driven ESIPT in Chromeno-pyrroloquinoline probe for differentiating normal and cancer cells.

Despite significant advancements in the structural flexibility and functional diversity of fluorescent molecular sensors, the chromophores often require complex synthetic processes and are typically designed to perform only a specific function. Herein, we have demonstrated the unique features of fluorophores based on a fused coumarin-indole scaffold, which are synthetically available via a one-step reaction. Four fluorophores (ICH, ICEst, ICOMe, and ICNMe2) with varying substituents were synthesized and characterized. Subsequently, their response towards aggregation, solvent polarity, and viscosity was studied. Probe ICNMe2 exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE), while others displayed aggregation-caused quenching. The viscosity-sensitive nature of these fluorophores was evaluated using the Froster-Hoffman equation. ICNMe2 displayed the highest sensitivity towards polarity and polarity-independent viscosity. The plausible mechanism involved is intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in probes ICH, ICEst, and ICOMe, whereas excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) coupled ICT in the case of ICNMe2. Based on the distinct AIE-viscosity responses and large stokes shift (~175 nm), ICNMe2 was utilized for distinguishing normal (RAW 264.7) cells and cancer (A549) cells using confocal microscopy. Results demonstrated that ICNMe2 could effectively extend its photophysical activity in the cellular milieu with an enhanced emission in channel-1 (λem = 460-530 nm) for A549 compared to RAW 264.7 cells.

Stepwise Lighting Up Gold(I)-Thiolate Complexes from AIE Nanoaggregates to AIEE Nanoprobes with a ZIF-8 Shell for Glucose Biosensing.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) or aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) has endowed gold species with responsive fluorescent properties, favoring their potential applications in sensing, imaging, and therapy. However, it remains an interesting challenge to fabricate fluorophores with both AIE and AIEE effects. Herein, we presented highly luminescent Au(I) thiolate nanocomplex-based biosensors with Zn2+ induced-AIE and zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) induced-AIEE effects. The nonemissive monovalent gold-glutathione complexes (AuI-SGs) were obtained to synthesize the core-shell Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8 composites with strong luminescence via the coordination-assisted self-assembly strategy. By immobilizing GOx on the surface of Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8, Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8/GOx biosensors exhibited effective responsiveness to glucose, showing a "turn-off" detection model. The mechanism study revealed that the robust luminescence of Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8 to glucose sensing was attributed to the acid-stimulated degradation of the probe facilitated by H+ generated from the glucose oxidase (GOx)-catalyzed oxidation process. To achieve noninvasive and intelligent blood glucose detection, the Zn2+/AuI-SG@ZIF-8/GOx-loaded microneedle (MN)-patch fluorescent platform was further developed. The MN-patch-based sensing platform had promising performance for on-needle capture and in situ glucose detection. This study demonstrated a universal and feasible protocol to construct luminescent biosensors for glucose detection and their potential for the development of MN-based analytical devices.

New AIE Emitters from the Unexpected Boron Tribromide/Boron Trichloride‐mediated Cyclization Reaction and Application for Fluorescence Imaging of Lipid Droplets

ABSTRACTThe aberrant behavior of lipid droplets (LDs) is often indicative of cellular dysfunction, which may contribute to the development of a range of diseases, particularly metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop fluorescence probes targeting LDs to monitor the progression of disease. In this study, an unanticipated one‐pot boron tribromide (BBr₃)/boron trichloride (BCl₃)‐promoted cyclization reaction was discovered, yielding a bromo‐/chloro‐substituted triphenylamine (TPA) derivative (TPA‐Br/TPA‐Cl). TPA‐Br was successfully transformed into new TPA‐containing donor‐acceptor (D–A) molecules which show typical aggregation induced emission (AIE) property. Among these new AIE emitters, TPA‐N shows the most promising LDs targeting specificity, lowest toxicity and best photo‐stability. Ex vivo studies further demonstrate that TPA‐N can be used to fluorescence image fatty liver and AS plaque quickly and effectively.

From Traditional Nanoparticles to Cluster-Triggered Emission Polymers for the Generation of Smart Nanotheranostics in Cancer Treatment

Nanotheranostics integrates diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities using nanoscale materials, advancing personalized medicine by enhancing treatment precision and reducing adverse effects. Key materials for nanotheranostics include metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon dots, lipid nanoparticles and polymer-based nanocarriers, each offering unique benefits alongside specific challenges. Polymer-based nanocarriers, including hybrid and superparamagnetic nanoparticles, improve stability and functionality but are complex to manufacture. Polymeric nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) present promising theranostic potential for cancer detection and treatment. However, challenges such as translating the AIE concept to living systems, addressing toxicity concerns, overcoming deep-tissue imaging limitations, or ensuring biocompatibility remain to be resolved. Recently, cluster-triggered emission (CTE) polymers have emerged as innovative materials in nanotheranostics, offering enhanced fluorescence and biocompatibility. These polymers exhibit increased fluorescence intensity upon aggregation, making them highly sensitive for imaging and therapeutic applications. CTE nanoparticles, crafted from biodegradable polymers, represent a safer alternative to traditional nanotheranostics that rely on embedding conventional fluorophores or metal-based agents. This advancement significantly reduces potential toxicity while enhancing biocompatibility. The intrinsic fluorescence allows real-time monitoring of drug distribution and activity, optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Despite their potential, these systems face challenges such as maintaining stability under physiological conditions and addressing the need for comprehensive safety and efficacy studies to meet clinical and regulatory standards. Nevertheless, their unique properties position CTE nanoparticles as promising candidates for advancing theranostic strategies in personalized medicine, bridging diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities in innovative ways.

Novel AIE-Active Polyarylethersulfone Polymers Incorporating Tetraphenylethene for Enhanced Fluorescence.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials have gained significant attention for their unique fluorescence enhancement in the aggregated state. However, combining rigid polymers with AIE molecules to enhance luminescent properties remains to be investigated. In this work, two novel AIE-active polyarylethersulfone (PAES) derivatives are synthesized by incorporating tetraphenylethene (TPE) into either the side chain or main chain of PAES, resulting in side-chain polyarylethersulfone-tetraphenylethene (PAES-TPE) and main-chain polyarylethersulfone-tetraphenylethene (m-PAES-TPE), respectively. These derivatives are designed to investigate the influence of the rigid polymer backbone on the AIE properties of TPE. The incorporation of TPE into PAES resulted in a notable redshift in fluorescence emission compared to pure TPE. Notably, m-PAES-TPE50%, a polymer with 50% molar content of TPE, exhibited a fluorescence quantum yield to 57.43%, more than twice that of TPE powder. Thermal analysis showed that both PAES-TPE and m-PAES-TPE have excellent thermal stability and temperature-dependent fluorescence. Additionally, these materials are processed into hydrophobic nanoparticles, and in vitro experiments demonstrated good fluorescence properties and biocompatibility for cancer cell bioimaging. This work highlights the potential of rigid AIE-active PAES derivatives for advanced bioimaging applications.

Triphenylamine-Naphthalimide-Based "On-Off-On" AIEgen for Imaging Golgi Apparatus and Endoplasmic Reticulum.

Golgi apparatus (GA) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are two of the interesting subcellular organelles that are critical for protein synthesis, folding, processing, post-translational modifications, and secretion. Consequently, dysregulation in GA and ER and cross-talk between them are implicated in numerous diseases including cancer. As a result, simultaneous visualization of the GA and ER in cancer cells is extremely crucial for developing cancer therapeutics. To address this, herein, we have designed and synthesized a 1,8-napthalimide-based small molecule (AIE-GA-ER) consisting of phenylsulfonamide as Golgi-ER homing and triphenylamine-napthalimide as aggregation-induced emission (AIE) triggering moieties. AIE-GA-ER exhibited remarkable "on-off-on" AIE properties in THF/water binary solvent system due to aggregated "on-state" in pure THF and 80% water in THF. Molecular dynamic simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations exhibited the underlying mechanism of the emissive property of AIE-GA-ER to be the interplay between intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) stabilization and aggregation in THF, DMSO, and water. AIE-GA-ER efficiently homed into the GA and ER of HCT-116 colon cancer cells within 15-30 min as well as noncancerous human retinal epithelial pigment cells (RPE-1) within 3 h with minimum toxicity. This AIEgen has the potential to illuminate the Golgi apparatus and ER simultaneously in cancer cells to understand the chemical biology of their cross-talk for next-generation cancer therapeutics.

Mastering the complexities of cancer nanomedicine with text mining, AI and automation.

In this contribution to the Orations - New Horizons of the Journal of Controlled Release, I present a personal perspective on the complexities of cancer nanomedicine and the approaches to master them. This oration draws mainly from my lab's journey to explore three transformative approaches to master complexities in the field: (1) leveraging text mining to construct dynamic knowledge bases for hypothesis generation in cell-specific drug delivery, (2) introducing the concept of meta-synergy to further optimize and classify multi-drug combinations across dimensions such as chemical loading, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics (3) utilizing automation to accelerate nanoparticle discovery with advanced screening methodologies such as aggregation-induced emission (AIE). I argue that by embracing complexity in nanomedicine, we can manifest new therapeutic possibilities, paving the way for more effective, precise, and adaptive treatment strategies.

Synthesis of Pyrene Diimide Isomers with Tunable Excimer Emission.

The optoelectronic properties of pyrene diimides (PyDIs) are of strategic interest given the successful application of similar rylene diimides as n-type organic semiconductors in a variety of organic electronics. We present an improved synthesis for 1,5,6,10-pyrene diimide and the first report of its isomer, 1,8,9,10-pyrene diimide. We demonstrate the effect of imide placement on the core structure, optical properties, and electron affinities. Notably, we have discovered that both isomers exhibit tunable aggregation-induced excimer emission and that 1,8,9,10-PyDI exhibits anti-Kasha emission.

A Novel Aggregation-Induced Emission-Based Electrochemiluminescence Aptamer Sensor Utilizing Red-Emissive Sulfur Quantum Dots for Rapid and Sensitive Malathion Detection.

Rapid, effective, and cost-effective methods for large-scale screening of pesticide residues in the environment and agricultural products are important for assessing potential environmental risks and safeguarding human health. Here, we constructed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) electrochemical aptamer (Apt) sensor based on red-emissive sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), which aimed at the rapid screening and quantitative detection of malathion. SQDs were prepared using a two-step oxidation method with good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) optical properties. These SQDs were modified onto the electrode surface to serve as ECL luminophores. Subsequently, Apt was introduced and modified to form a double-helix structure with the complementary chain (cDNA). The ECL signal was reduced because the biomolecules had poor electrical conductivity and inefficient electron transfer. When the target malathion was added, the double helix structure was unraveled, the malathion Apt fell off the electrode surface, and the ECL signal was restored. The linear range of detection was 1.0 × 10-13-1.0 × 10-8 mol·L-1, and the detection limit was 0.219 fM. The successful preparation of the sensor not only develops the ECL optical properties of SQDs but also expands the application of SQDs in ECL sensing.

Carborane-Decorated Siloles with Highly Efficient Solid-State Emissions - What Drives the Photophysical Properties?

New hybrids were synthesised by linking carboranes and siloles, both of which are known as aggregation-induced emission active units. Although most of the newly synthesised systems do not display notable quantum yield either in solution or in the aggregated state, they emit strongly in the solid-state, and a quantum yield of up to 100 % can be achieved. The tailorable quantum yield can be attributed to the packing of the molecules in the crystal lattice ruled by the carborane and phenyl moieties according to the SC-XRD data. Our experimental results, complemented by density functional theory calculations, show that the silole moiety primarily influences the photophysical properties. At the same time, the carborane serves as a steric building block without direct responsibility for the aggregation-induced emission property. The patterns of substituents can alter the absorption and emission properties.

Metal-organic frameworks encapsulating gold nanoclusters and carbon dots for ratiometric fluorescent detection of formaldehyde in real food samples, construction materials and indoor environments.

Anovel fluorescence sensing nanoplatform (CDs/AuNCs@ZIF-8) encapsulating carbon dots (CDs) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) within a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was developed for ratiometric detection of formaldehyde (FA) in the medium of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl). The nanoplatform exhibited pink fluorescence due to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect of AuNCs and the internal filtration effect (IFE) between AuNCs and CDs. Upon reaction between NH2OH·HCl and FA, a Schiff base formed via aldehyde-diamine condensation, releasing hydrochloric acid. The acid triggered the degradation of ZIF-8, releasing CDs and AuNCs, and thereby shifting the fluorescence to blue as the CDs disperse. The nanoplatform demonstrated high sensitivity (LOD of 0.26-2.19 μM), exceptional selectivity, and rapid response time (<1 min) toward FA. Additionally, test strips and hydrogel films integrated with smartphones were prepared for on-site and visual detection of FA. The portable and smartphone-assisted test strips effectively detected indoor FA gas, while wearable and intelligent hydrogel films provided reliable surface measurements of FA on fruits and vegetables. Real sample analyses achieved satisfactory FA recoveries (99.06-115.30%) with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.86% to 3.81%. The innovative sensing nanoplatform served as a promising approach for FA detection in food, construction materials, and indoor air quality, offering both analytical accuracy and convenient visualization.

Acceptor Elongation Boosted Intersystem Crossing Affords Efficient NIR Type-I and AIE-Active Photosensitizers for Targeting Ferroptosis-Based Cancer Therapy.

Photosensitizers (PSs) featuring type I reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity offer a promising solution to achieve non-invasive and precise theranostics. However, the reported AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with both AIE characteristic and strong type-I ROS generation are still scarce and the structure-property relationship is still unclear. Herein, an innovative acceptor elongation boosted intersystem crossing (AEBIC) design strategy has been proposed to endow the AIEgen strong type-I ROS producibility. The results indicate that the obtained AIEgen exhibit type-I ROS and aggregation-enhanced ROS efficacy, which has been verified by both experimental and theoretical results. Mechanistic study reveal that the acceptor elongation has promoted a dual-channel intersystem crossing pathway to enhance the intersystem crossing (ISC) process due to the differences in triplet configurations, which can be further amplified by aggregation. The afforded type-I AIE-PS show lipid droplet-anchored characteristic and can induce the ferroptosis through destroying the cellular redox homeostasis and increasing lethal levels of lipid peroxidation. Finally, targeting ferroptosis-based cancer therapy can be realized with excellent anti-tumor effect.