Microemulsion-based synthesis of strontium hexaferrite cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles and their biocompatibility in albino mice

A number of strontium-based iron oxides are available for the industrial use. Among them, strontium hexaferrite cobalt iron oxide (Sr2Co2Fe12O22) is preferred over others due to its better magnetic and electrical properties than others. This material is also extensively used for the absorption of microwave radiations. This study was conducted to account for the synthesis and characterization of Sr2Co2Fe12O22 nanoparticles and to report their biocompatibility in albino mice. Nanoparticles were synthesised by normal microemulsion, XRD analysis confirmed the single and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed average particle size ranged between 30 and 50nm. Nine-week-old male mice were intraperitoneally administered with 50mg/mL of solvent/kg body weight of strontium hexaferrite cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles for 22 days. Control group was maintained in parallel. A series of neurological tests (rota rod, light and dark box, open field and Morris water maze) were conducted in both groups. Blood samples were collected from direct cardiac puncture, and parameters of complete blood count, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant were determined in liver and brain tissues of all subjects. Analysis of result revealed that all studied neurological test performances varied nonsignificantly (P>0.05) between the two treatments except clockwise rotations during open field test that were significantly reduced (P=0.05) in Strontium hexaferrite Cobalt Iron Oxide nanoparticle-treated male albino mice than in the control group. All studied complete blood count and serum parameters varied nonsignificantly (P>0.05) between two treatments. It was observed that superoxide dismutase concentration was significantly higher (P=0.05) in the liver of nanoparticle-treated male mice. In conclusion, we are reporting that applied dose of strontium hexaferrite cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles is affecting the exploratory behaviour and antioxidant metabolites of male albino mice.