Modulation of optical oxygen sensitivity of H2(TPP) by using Eu3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+ ions doped silicate-based bioactive glass powders immersed in simulated body fluid

Abstract

Improving the performance of optical oxygen sensors can be accomplished by adding additives to the composition comprising an oxygen-sensitive probe encapsulated in a polymeric matrix. In this study, to advance the oxygen sensing ability, free meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin (H2(TPP)) was chosen as a luminophore. The sol-gel based 13–93 bioactive glass powders (BG) co-doped with ytterbium (Yb3+), gadolinium (Gd3+), and europium (Eu3+) and immersed in simulated body fluids (SBF) were also used as additives. After being immersed in SBF, bioactive glasses containing Eu3+, Gd3+, and Yb3+ were found to be able to convert hydroxyapatite corresponding to in vitro bioactivity tests. The optimum additive concentration for all glass samples is 3 wt%, based on photoluminescence-based properties. The luminescence dye was incorporated into poly(trimethylsilylpropyne) [poly(TMSP)] matrices in the form of a thin film along with bioactive glass additives to improve oxygen sensitivity. Emission-based intensity values of all porphyrin complexes have been followed as a signal drop during oxygen sensing measurements. The H2(TPP) along with the additive of BG:Eu3+ showed a 6.88 fold of I0/I ratio compared to the undoped and Gd3+ and Yb3+-doped BG forms in terms of the relative signal change. Large Stoke's shift (Ksv) values, high luminescence abilities, and linear spectral response make them promising candidates as oxygen sensing agents. It was concluded that prepared bioactive glass powders are suitable to use as additive materials for improving the oxygen sensitivity of meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin dye.