Antibacterial Potential of Nanocrystalline Zinc–Cobalt Ferrite

Abstract

Purpose: The synthesis of nanoscale particles with antibacterial properties has garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical research, driven by the escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of Zn–Co ferrite nanoparticles against virulent, antibiotic-resistant, and biofilm-forming strains of Escherichia coli. Methods: Three nanoparticle variants—S1 (Zn0.7Co0.3Fe2O4), S2 (Zn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4), and S3 (Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O4)—were synthesized using the solution combustion method by systematically varying the Zn:Co molar ratio. The Scanning Electron Micrograph, X-ray diffraction analysis, Complementary Fourier-transform infrared, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration were performed. Results: The SEM spectroscopy study revealed distinct morphological differences as a function of the cobalt substitution level within the spinel ferrite matrix. At the highest level of cobalt substitution (Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O4), the microstructure displayed significant irregularities, with enhanced agglomeration and a notably broader particle size distribution. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of crystalline structures, with an average crystallite size of 12.65 nm. Complementary Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic absorption bands in the 400–600 cm−1 range, indicative of the cubic spinel structure of the ferrite nanoparticles. The higher-frequency band was associated with metal–oxide stretching in the tetrahedral sites, while the lower-frequency band corresponded to stretching in the octahedral sites. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration assays revealed that Zn–Co ferrite nanoparticles possess potent antibacterial activity against virulent, antibiotic-resistant, and biofilm-forming strains of E. coli. Conclusion: Increasing the molar ratio of Zn to Co enhances the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles. These findings suggest that Zn–Co ferrite nanoparticles could serve as a promising alternative to conventional antibacterial agents for combating multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria in the future.