Multifunctional γ-Fe2O3@Ca3(PO4)2@YPO4:Tb3+,Ce3+ nanocomposites as a potential drug carrier

• The stable γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles are favored as magnetic core.
• The fluorescer agent of YPO4:Tb3+, Ce3+ has excellent fluorescence properties.
• The nanocomposites are further applied to load and release of cisplatin drugs.

Multifunctional γ-Fe2O3@Ca3(PO4)2@YPO4:Tb3+,Ce3+ nanocomposites were synthesized using an easy direct-precipitation method. The nanocomposites had a monodispersed spherical morphology with a narrow size distribution, and dispersed well in water. The nanocomposites showed the characteristic emission peaks of Ce3+ (5d–4f) and Tb3+ (5D4–7F3 to 5D4–7F6). Magnetism measurements revealed that the samples were nearly superparamagnetic. The multifunctional nanocomposites were used for in vitro drug delivery tests under ambient conditions, and we discuss the influence of different media on the release of cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum). We assessed the loading and release performance for cisplatin by means of UV–visible spectrophotometry. Our findings will provide guidance for engineering similar multifunctional nanocomposites for use in future drug delivery applications.