Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Zinc Ferrite and Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles have drawn the attention of researchers because of their unique properties and promising applications. To date, very little information is available on the biological activity of spinel ferrites. This study used the coprecipitation technique to synthesize copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The nanoparticles were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating-sample magnetometer, and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis. Agar disk diffusion and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate tests were used to measure the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite nanoparticles was 71% and 80%, respectively. Additionally, it was shown that nanoparticles made of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite had a strong antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.