Mitochondria-Targeted AIE Materials for Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cancer Therapy and Beyond: Special Collection: 2025 Emerging Investigators

Mitochondria-targeted aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials have emerged as promising candidates for precision medicine by enabling the controllable induction of oxidative stress within mitochondria. Yet, a comprehensive overview of the antitumor and other biological effects resulting from such oxidative stress remains lacking. This review summarizes the roles of both excessive and moderate oxidative stress triggered by mitochondria-targeted AIE materials across diverse applications, including: (1) direct induction of various forms of cancer cell death and degradation of cancer-associated proteins; (2) synergistic enhancement of chemo-, radio-, immune-, and other therapies; and (3) treatments beyond cancer. In addition, the challenges and key issues limiting their broader application are discussed. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of controllably induced oxidative stress by mitochondria-targeted AIE materials, aiming to accelerate their development for precise disease intervention and biological regulation.