Gd2O3:Eu3+@mSiO2 nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin for theranostic applications

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of a multifunctional nanoplatform for theranostic applications, composed of Gd₂O₃³⁺ nanoparticles coated with mesoporous silica and loaded with curcumin. The nanoparticles were synthesized by urea-catalyzed homogeneous precipitation, while the coating was obtained by the modified Stöber method. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the cubic phase of Gd₂O₃, without detectable impurities, and the presence of an amorphous SiO₂ layer after coating. FTIR and EDS analyses confirmed the formation of the silica layer and the expected elemental composition. UV-Vis analysis determined a curcumin concentration of 2.68 µg/mL. Luminescence measurements confirmed the characteristic red emission of Eu³⁺, preserved after coating, while curcumin loading reduced its intensity. The results demonstrate the nanoplatform's potential for bioimaging and controlled drug delivery.