Stereoisomeric synergy of AIEgens: Homology-driven camouflage and divergent responsiveness for dynamic multistate anti-counterfeiting

Abstract

The threat of counterfeiting demands advanced anti-counterfeiting systems integrating dynamic multistate control with molecular-level security. Limited by static signatures or single-stimulus responsiveness, balancing counterfeit resistance and authorized decodability is difficult. Here, we present stereoisomeric engineering of aggregation-induced emission luminogens, E/Z-TPEMN (tetraphenylethene with methoxy and naphthalimide moieties), which leverages molecular homology with identical frameworks and stimulus-specific divergence responses to achieve multilevel information encryption. Both isomers exhibit identical orange emission in solution, making them initially camouflaged. In aggregates, E-TPEMN shows reversible mechano-/solvatochromism with green/orange shifts, while Z-TPEMN responds minimally, enabling selective signal activation. Both isomers undergo synchronized photoisomerization and self-catalyzed photocleavage, irreversibly transitioning to blue-emitting BPMN. By orchestrating sequential stimuli (solvent, force, and light), the programmable high-contrast fluorescent labels are custom designed. Further, we achieve hierarchical control over information states: initial camouflage via uniform fluorescence, selective decryption through solvent-triggered E-TPEMN activation, photomask-based information writing via photoreaction, temporary concealment through mechanical disruption, and permanent erasure via photocleavage.