Luminescent properties of metal–organic frameworks embedded in methacrylated gelatin for its application in biocompatible 3D printable materials

In this work, nanoparticles of a luminescent metal–organic framework were embedded in a photopolymerized methacrylated gelatin. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy was used to explore the drying and the photopolymerization processes, as well as the effect the methacrylated gelatin had on the quantum yield and decay time of the nanoparticles. A drying time of 27.5 min was needed for a 20 µL droplet, and the proposed intensity ratio analysis resulted in a minimum irradiation time of 18.6 min, at a lamp intensity of 2.7 W/m², for the photopolymerization process to end. The presence of the methacrylated gelatin decreased the quantum yield of the nanoparticles and influenced the emission decay time. The intensity ratio showed that a concentration between 1 and 3% w/V of nanoparticles in the solution is required for the luminescence to be observed and to avoid the important quenching effect. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].