Luminescence functionalization of MCM-48 by YVO4:Eu3+ for controlled drug delivery

Abstract

A bifunctional (mesoporous, luminescent) composite was realized by depositing a YVO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor layer onto the surface of MCM-48 spheres via a simple sol–gel process. This composite was employed as a drug delivery/release carrier using captopril (CapH₂) as a model drug. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N₂ adsorption/desorption and photoluminescence spectra were employed to characterize the as-prepared materials. The results indicated that the bifunctional composite possesses an ordered mesoporous structure and strong red luminescence of Eu³⁺. A drug release test revealed that the composite has favorable drug release properties. Additionally, the CapH₂-loaded composite still shows the red luminescence under UV irradiation. Also, the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ increases with an increase in the cumulative released amount of CapH₂, making the extent of drug release easy to identify, track and monitor by the change of luminescence during the release process and disease therapy.