Active optical waveguides and metal ion sensors based on nanofibers with aggregation induced emission

Fiber-structured ion sensors have gained traction in health monitoring and medical diagnostics owing to their structural flexibility, enhanced sensitivity, and suitability for integration into wearable devices. This study employed a simple and efficient solution-based process to fabricate nanofibers containing aggregation-induced emission (AIE) dyes. The resulting AIE nanofibers exhibited stable and intense fluorescence, nanosecond fluorescence lifetime, and low-loss light transport when functioning as active waveguides. Additionally, crossed nanofiber intersections exhibited diffraction-limited emission spots. The AIE nanofibers demonstrate efficient and ion-specific fluorescence quenching in response to Ag⁺. These results support the development of sensing units capable of operating in liquid environments or in direct contact with skin or tissues, facilitating real-time monitoring of ion concentrations for personalized healthcare management.