Physio-chemical characterizations and antimicrobial properties of nano-sized Mg-Zn ferrite particles for biomedical applications

The nano-sized magnesium doped zinc ferrite (MgxZn1-xFe2O4 for x = 0.2 and 0.6) has been synthesised for biomedical application through two different routes (sol-gel and hydrothermal). The x-ray diffraction pattern showed the single phase of ferrite. The crystallite sizes and lattice parameters of Mg-Zn ferrite were obtained by three different methods viz. Scherrer formula (X'pert high score), Maud analysis (Rietveld refinement software), and Williamson Hall Plot. The field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the near-spherical and dumbbell-shaped morphology of Mg-Zn ferrite. The vibrating sample magnetometer showed the increasing magnetic properties on increasing Mg doping. The elemental dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of desired elements. The antimicrobial assay against E. coli (gram-negative) and S. aureus (gram-positive) bacteria showed a clear zone of inhibition. The Mg-Zn ferrite showed good magnetic and antimicrobial properties synthesised via the sol-gel route, which can be further used for possible drug delivery applications.

Automated summary

In this study, nano-sized magnesium doped zinc ferrite was synthesized through sol-gel and hydrothermal routes for biomedical applications. The material exhibited good magnetic and antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for possible drug delivery applications.