Fabrication of β cyclodextrin containing AIE-active polymeric composites through formation of dynamic phenylboronic borate and their theranostic applications

Abstract Since the first discovery by Tang in 2001, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon has attracted considerable research interest in various fields. In this contribution, AIE-active composites (named as An-HPG-β-CD) have been fabricated via conjugation of AIE-active compound An-B(OH) 2 and hyperbranched polyglycerol functionalized β cyclodextrin (HPG-β-CD) based on dynamic phenyl borate for the first time. The potential biomedical applications of these AIE-active composites for biological imaging and drug delivery applications were further explored. The successful preparation of An-HPG-β-CD composites was confirmed through a series of characterization techniques. The An-HPG-β-CD composites possess great water dispersibility, low cytotoxicity, excellent fluorescence properties and uniform size and morphology, which make them promising for cell imaging. Furthermore, the cavities of An-HPG-β-CD composites could be utilized for loading with doxorubicin for drug delivery applications. In conclusion, we have developed a novel method for fabrication of AIE-active An-HPG-β-CD composites through formation of dynamic phenylboronic borate between β cyclodextrin containing hyperbranched polyglycerol and phenylboronic containing AIE dye. These AIE-active composites are of great potential in biological imaging and drug delivery applications. Graphic abstract