Strong green fluorescent hydrogels with Ba₂ MgSi₂ O₇ :Eu²⁺ phosphor embedded in cellulose

Non-cytotoxic and green-emitting fluorescent hydrogels were constructed from a cellulose solution containing Ba₂ MgSi₂ O₇ :Eu²⁺ green phosphor in a NaOH/urea aqueous system. The structure, optical properties and cytotoxicity of these hydrogels were studied. The Ba₂ MgSi₂ O₇ :Eu²⁺ phosphor particles were dispersed evenly in the cellulose hydrogel matrix. Good luminescent properties of Ba₂ MgSi₂ O₇ :Eu²⁺ phosphor were maintained in the hydrogels, leading to strong green emission under ultraviolet excitation. Fluorescent hydrogels have no obvious cytotoxicity in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) proliferation test, and have potential use in in vivo applications like optical imaging and drug delivery.