In situ route to novel fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles with 8-hydroxyquinolinate zinc complexes and their biomedical applications

Novel luminescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing zinc 8-hydroxyquinolinate complexes were prepared by in situ formation route of metal complex in channels of MSNs. The MSNs functionalized with or without mercapto groups had a diameter of 80–170 nm and high surface area (>1010 m2/g). The 8-hydroxyquinolinate (Hq) was introduced into MSNs containing-zinc ions to form the metalloquinolates by in situ route. The metalloquinolates formed in the channels of MSNs were determined as a single coordination mode (Znq). The novel Znq-MSNs exhibit different optical properties as compared with that obtained by direct chemical adsorption of Znq2. Especially, the mercapto-modified MSNs exhibited the strong and stable fluorescent emission at about 500 nm in the pH range of 3–10. The obtained fluorescent MSNs were used in the in vitro researches of controlled release for ibuprofen and the imaging for human cervical cancer cells (HeLa).

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► Luminescent MSNs with zinc-HQ complexes were obtained by in situ generation route.
► Metalloquinolates with single coordination mode were formed in the channels of MSNs.
► Novel MSNs exhibit highly PL emission and good dispersion in aqueous solution.
► Fluorescent MSNs possess outstanding optical stability at different pH values.
► Fluorescent MSNs were used in the controlled release of ibuprofen and cell imaging.