Dye-loaded zeolite L @silica core-shell composite functionalized with europium(III) complexes for dipicolinic acid detection.

Novel core-shell composites have been developed by immobilization of non-luminescent europium(III) complexes onto the surface of silica shells that are coated on the surface of luminescent dye-loaded zeolite L nano-crystals. The obtained core-shell composites were used for the ratiometric detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA) molecules. The dyes located in the channels of the zeolite L host are protected from any interaction with the environment of the particles and therefore provide a stable reference signal which can eliminate the need for instrument-specific calibration curves for DPA quantification in an analyte.