Investigation of the structural, photoluminescence properties, bioactivity and 5-fluorouracil delivery behavior of Dy3+ and Dy:Eu3+-doped bioactive glasses

Abstract

Nowadays fluorescent biomaterials gained crucial interest in the biomedical field. Here we report the sol-gel synthesis and characterization of Dy3+ and Dy:Eu3+ co-doped bioactive glass powders. Structural, morphological, and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of the prepared powders were investigated in detail. Additionally, in vitro hydroxyapatite forming ability and the anticancer drug (5-Fluorouracil) release behavior were investigated with respect to time. The influence of drug loading and delivery on the PL properties was monitored. Results showed that the highest PL intensity was obtained for the 5%Dy:Eu3+ co-doped glass samples. The incorporation of rare-earth ions into the glass network did not cause a significant difference in the structural properties. In vitro conversion experiments, performed in simulated body fluid, indicated that the incorporation of Dy3+ to the glass network enhanced the hydroxyapatite deposition however Dy:Eu3+ co-doping slightly decreased the bioactivity. Drug-loaded bioactive glass powders exhibited sustained drug release behavior to the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) medium. An increase was obtained in the fluorescence intensities for 5-FU-loaded samples followed by a further increase in emissions for the powders released drug to the PBS medium. The findings of the study may be useful for monitoring the degradation of bioactive glasses, conversion to hydroxyapatite as well as drug delivery after implantation.