Biomedical Applications of Spinel Ferrite Synthesized Via Green Route: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Functional oxide nanomaterials, especially spinel ferrites (MFe2O4; M = Cu, Co, Mn, Mg, Ni, Zn), have emerged as promising candidates in contemporary biomedicine due to their distinctive magnetic, catalytic, and electrical properties. These materials demonstrate significant potential in various biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, antimicrobial therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic hyperthermia, wound healing, and antidiabetic treatments. Recent breakthroughs highlight the environmentally sustainable synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles with eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agents sourced from plant and fruit extracts. This sustainable method reduces hazardous byproducts and energy consumption while improving surface biocompatibility and therapeutic safety. Systematic characterization using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and VSM has enabled precise control of particle size, crystallinity, and cation distribution, which are essential for enhancing biological performance. Notwithstanding considerable advancements, obstacles, including cytotoxicity, biodistribution, and repeatability, persist in hindering clinical translation. Future research should concentrate on long-term safety evaluations, surface functionalization techniques, and in vivo validation to connect green nanotechnology with real therapeutic applications.