An AIE-active Janus filter membrane for highly efficient detection and elimination of bioaerosols

Highly efficient detection and sterilization techniques for bioaerosol prevention and control are urgently needed. Herein, we present an AIE-active Janus air filter membrane (AIE-HAFM) that features water-dissolvable micronano porous network architecture and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity constructed by the asymmetrical surface modification with an amphiphilic AIE photosensitizer (MeOTTVP). The all-round AIE-HAFM can not only provide low pressure drop and high interception efficiency for bioaerosol sampling but also perfectly inherit the AIE functions of MeOTTVP, which allows for intensive near-infrared (NIR) emission and efficient production of reactive oxygen species. The airborne pathogens can be effectively captured, collected, transferred, and released by AIE-HAFM for subsequent quantitative detection with colony counting and ATP bioluminescence, as well as stained by the incorporated MeOTTVP for NIR fluorescence imaging-guided visual detection. Meanwhile, AIE-HAFM enables on-demand and surface-dependent photodynamic effects for reliable bacterial eradication under white light irradiation due to the surface-concentrated MeOTTVP, consequently achieving the smart prevention and control of bioaerosols both in the simulated and real-world bioaerosol environment. The versatility of AIE-HAFM in handling diverse airborne pathogens may bring about a transformative solution to address the bioaerosol contamination problems.