Sol–gel auto-combustion mediated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: a potential material for antimicrobial applications

Abstract

In the era of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) of metals and metal oxides/chalcogenides are widely been used in medical applications where antibiotic-resistant microorganisms become a serious threat to the human health. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) NPs, synthesized by a simple and cost-effective sol–gel auto-combustion method are envisaged for in vitro antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis; Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The structure, morphology, elemental analyses and surface area of CoFe2O4 NPs are initially screened. The antimicrobial efficiency of CoFe2O4 NPs is found to be optimum against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (15 mm). In addition, membrane leakage assays performed to evaluate the intracellular cytoplasmic leakage with CoFe2O4 NPs demonstrate the ability to destroy the bacterial membrane integrity, confirming their antimicrobial potential.