Construction of fluorescent hydrogels using a novel water-soluble aggregation-induced emission fluorophore for information encryption and de-identification

Abstract

Fluorescent hydrogels constructed by integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorophores have emerged as promising materials for information encryption. Due to the hydrophobic properties of AIEgens, they tend to aggregate in hydrophilic matrix of the hydrogel, which is beneficial for their fluorescent properties but detrimental to their uniform distribution within the gel network. To solve this problem, we have ingeniously developed a water-soluble aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorophore that can integrate with the hydrogel matrix, to deepen the application of hydrogel in information security by stimuli-responsiveness. The prepared AIE fluorophores not only possess high quantum yield, but also carry a remarkable ability to self-assemble in water, amplifying AIE emission. After combining with the hydrogel matrix composed of gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇), the fluorophores still maintain the stimuli-responsiveness to metal ions, solvents and pH, endowing the hydrogel with tunable fluorescence properties. Additionally, the tailored multi-channel units allow for more secure information encryption and de-identification. This study may advance the expanded utilization of AIE fluorophores in the realm of hydrogel-based materials.