Self‐reporting fluorescence deciphers the antibacterial nature of cationic amphiphiles: Monomer or aggregate?

Cationic amphiphile aggregates exhibit superior antibacterial activity than monomers. However, the antimicrobial mechanism of has not been well understood because it is difficult to distinguish and monitor aggregate monomer in process. Herein, three bola-type cationic amphiphiles with aggregation-induced emission property have developed show distinguishable fluorescence their aggregate. The hydrophilicity stability are finely tuned by tailoring linkers between two quaternary ammonium end groups tetraphenylethylene skeleton. sensitive switching achieves quantitative monitoring dynamic interaction bacteria. charges first attach bacterial surface, monomers subsequently dissociate from penetrate membrane. Further, our results reveal vital role during process, shedding light on rational design high-efficient antimicrobials.