Green Synthesis of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles: An Emerging Material for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Tamboli, Qudsiya Y.; Patange, Sunil M.; Mohanta, Yugal Kishore; Sharma, Rohit; Zakde, Kranti R.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/9770212

Journal of Nanomaterials

On this page

Abstract Introduction Conclusion Data Availability Conflicts of Interest References Copyright Related Articles

Special Issue

New Insights on Plant Mediated or Traditionally Prepared Nanomaterials for Biomedicine and Environmental Applications

View this Special Issue

Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2023 | Article ID 9770212 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/9770212

Green Synthesis of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles: An Emerging Material for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Qudsiya Y. Tamboli,¹Sunil M. Patange,²Yugal Kishore Mohanta,³Rohit Sharma,⁴and Kranti R. Zakde¹

Academic Editor: Baskaran Rangasamy

Received25 Jul 2022

Revised07 Nov 2022

Accepted25 Nov 2022

Published06 Feb 2023

Abstract

Research and utilization of nanotechnology are growing exponentially in every aspect of life. The constant growth of applications for magnetic nanoparticles, specifically nanoferrites, attracted many researchers. Among them, nanocobalt ferrite is the most crucial and studied magnetic nanoparticle. Environmentally benign synthetic methods became necessary to minimize environmental and occupational hazards. Green synthesis approaches in science and technology are now widely applied in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Herein, we reviewed recent advances in synthesizing nanocobalt ferrites and their composites using various scientific search engines. Subsequently, various applications were discussed, such as environmental (treatment of water/wastewater, photocatalytic degradation of dyes, and nanosorbent for environmental remediation) and biomedical (nanobiosensors for cancer diagnosis at the primary stage, effective targeted drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and potential drug candidates against cancer and microbial infections). This review offers comprehensive knowledge on how to choose appropriate natural resources for the green synthesis of nanocobalt ferrite and the benefits of this approach compared to conventional methods.

1. Introduction

Nanomaterial research is understanding and utilizing unique morphological and physicochemical properties of the large surface area of small particles (average size of 1–100 nm) for diverse applications in almost all fields of science and technology [1, 2]. It is one of the most favorite research area in chemistry, physics, biology, material science, medicine, pharmacy, and engineering [3]. Moreover, it is a single platform that connects these fields as multidisciplinary. MFe₂O₄ is the chemical formula of ferrite spinels, where M denotes divalent metal cations like cobalt, zinc, copper, nickel, manganese, etc. Nanoferrites are among the magnetic nanoparticles that possess many useful properties such as magnetic, electrical, gas sensing, energy storage devices, catalyst in organic reaction transformations, and biomedical (antibacterial, anticancer, MRI agents, etc.) across various technological and industrial applications [4].

The important factor that affects crystallinity, surface area, and chemical and physical properties is basically depends on the synthesis methods. Precise crystal structure and composition are essential for these properties. These properties depend on the size of particles, the ratio of surface area to volume, texture of crystallography, arrangement of elements, type of cations and position in the crystal lattice, impurities concentrations in traces, and the shape of the grain [5]. Various conventional methods are available for the synthesis of nanomaterials with the desired characteristics [6], as shown in Figure 1. However, these synthetic methodologies are neither eco-friendly nor economical and undergo sintering, pH, surfactants, solvents, organic salts, etc. Therefore, these methods have multiple disadvantages and are difficult for large-scale synthesis [2].

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles and their composites are one of the most crucial and studied classes of magnetic nanoparticles. It has special chemical/physical/electrical/mechanical properties such as it exhibits various redox states, excellent permeability, superior electrochemical stability, excellent chemical stability, mechanical hardness, wear resistance, ease of synthesis, electrical insulation, high Curie temperature, high coercivity, moderate saturation magnetization, high anisotropy constant, and high magnetostrictive are some unique features. These exceptional properties offer diverse applications in various fields [7, 8]. Magnetic nanoparticles can be characterized by various analytic tools reported in the literature such as ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), single-phase inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), magnetic nanoparticles coupled high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, as shown in Figure 2. The rapid increase in publications in recent years indicates popularity among researchers across the nanotechnology field.

Now researchers are keen to reduce the toxic effects of chemicals on the environment by developing new methods and techniques [9]. Hence, one of the most focused areas of nanomaterial synthesis is utilizing natural resources like plants, products obtained from plants, and microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, etc.) [10]. At the initial stage of chemical processes, green chemistry researchers utilize chemicals that minimize environmental risks and prevent pollution. Magnetic nanoparticles obtained from green synthesis exhibit little toxicity and elevated biocompatibility, which grant their biomedical utilization, typically for targeted drug delivery, contrast imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, anticancer, antimicrobial, etc. [11, 12].

2. Green Synthesis of Nanocobalt Ferrite

Recently, the utilization of green synthesis has captured attention in various fields. The amalgamation of nanosynthesis and green chemistry has vast potential for advancing novel and vital nanoferrites that improve human health, protect the environment, and benefit industries. There are many reports available on the green synthesis of nanoferrites but their count is significantly less compared with conventional synthesis techniques. A recent comprehensive review reported that the number of research articles on nanoferrite commenced rising exponentially in the last couple of decade. Most significantly, the publications on cobalt ferrite exceeded other ferrites by far. The authors concluded by searching in the Web of Science Core Collection with the keyword “M ferrite” (where M = metals like cobalt, copper, nickel, manganese, and zinc); cobalt ferrite leading the chart, zinc ferrite as runner-up, followed by nickel ferrite, manganese ferrite, and copper ferrite [13]. Figure 3 shows different green precursors utilized in the synthesis of nanocobalt ferrite. The biosynthesis of nanomaterial was derived from living organisms like plants and microorganisms [14]. Green synthesis is more advantageous than traditional chemical synthesis since it most economical, reduces pollution, and enhances environmental and human health safety. However, because of present environmental complications and pollution associated with chemical synthesis, green synthesis provides alternate progress prospects and possible diverse applications [15].

Numerous organic (ascorbic acid, amino acids, starch, glucose, and gluconic acid) and inorganic components present in the plant extract act like reducing and stabilizing agents (to suppress aggregations). The activity of nitrate reductase, shuttle electrons quinones, and mixed mechanisms was proposed [16]. These biosynthesis approaches are widely accepted and selected for their eco-friendly, economical, sustainability, reproducibility, and excellent yield [17]. Ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite was synthesized using convectional heating (in a hot air oven at 180°C for 3 hr) and microwave heating methods (at a frequency of 2.54 GHz at 850 W output power for 15 min) to afford 300–500 and 5–55 nm average crystallite size, respectively. Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O are used as precursors because of their higher solubility and ability to form a homogeneous mixture using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant extract as a reducing agent. Microwave heating methods exhibit excellent structural, optical, and magnetic properties than conventional heating methods. The smaller size particles via microwave heating methods were prone to interact quickly with the bacteria and disrupt the cell membrane effectively. This process leads to cell death. The antibacterial activity was performed on Gram-negative (Enterobacter aerogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) bacterial strains. Aspergillus aureus (AN) and Candida krusei (CK) strains were utilized for antifungal activity. The inhibition zone confirms the biocidal activity. The results showed that the inhibiting zones are directly proportional to the concentration. The highest inhibition zone was observed against Y. enterocolitica (16 mm) in bacteria and C. krusei (15 mm) in fungi, respectively, and offers new avenues in the treatment of various infections [18]. Moreover, okra plant extract also furnishes Ag-substituted CoFe₂O₄ [19].

Five research groups used honey for the green synthesis of nanocomposites of cobalt ferrite. Honey, as a stabilizer and reducing agent, has several advantages. Additionally, many carbohydrates and vitamins are vital constituents of honey, which are mild reducing agents and are subsequently responsible for controlled nanoparticle size. Agglomeration of nanoparticles can be prevented by stabilizing with proteins: (a) the honey-mediated synthesis of superparamagnetic cobalt–zinc ferrites nanoparticles with crystallite size around 14 ± 2 nm can easily remove Pb²⁺ (dangerous environmental pollutant) from water through adsorption capacity of 23.10 mg/g (for Co_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄) by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models. Co_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ exhibits higher specific loss power (2.56 W/g) and the intrinsic loss power (0.40 nH·m²·kg⁻¹) coefficients at a magnetic field of 100 Oe with the frequency of 100 kHz compared to commercial Fe₃O₄. Hence, it can be successfully utilized in magnetic hyperthermal therapy [20]; (b) magnetic CoFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite were prepared using honey by green synthesis, and photocatalytic activity was investigated by degradation of methylene blue (MB). Furthermore, the environmental remediation was achieved by the removal of the toxic lead (Pb²⁺) metal from the water [21]; (c) magnetic, electric, thermal, structural, and dielectric properties of CoFe₂₋_xAl_xO₄ nanocrystals, prepared by simple sol–gel autoignition method using honey (glucose/fructose) with sizes 24 and 44 nm, were reported [22]; (d) Ag-substituted nanocobalt ferrites were furnished by combustion method with the assistance of honey with 24–41 nm size. Antibiotic susceptibility studies were carried out against S. aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) using agar well diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar plates. Both nanomaterials exhibit zone of inhibition >7 mm for 100 mg and 10–20 mm for 500 mg concentration against positive control (streptomycin: 18–29 mm for 10 mg). Hence, Ag-doped CoFe₂O₄ was effective antimicrobial agents [23]; (e) structural, magnetic, and bandgap properties of chromium-substituted cobalt ferrite, prepared using honey, were evaluated [24].

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a medicinal herb, consists of various chemical compositions like organic and phenolic acids (citric, malic, succinic, lactic, gallic, hibiscus, and homogentisic acids) and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, gossypetin, and their glycosides) that exhibit excellent chelating/gelling agent. Two reports were available using Hibiscus flower and leaf extracts: (a) the cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) and silver–cobalt ferrite (Ag–CoFe₂O₄) were synthesized by self-combustion process and wet ferritization reaction with 10–18 and 18.8 nm crystallite size, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was assayed on Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 6538, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus saprophyticus ATCC 15305, and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633) bacterial strains and C. albicans ATCC 26790 as fungal strains. Incorporation of silver improved antimicrobial activity as compared to solo CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, exhibiting very low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.031 to 0.062 mg/mL against all tested microbial strains [25] and (b) cobalt ferrite obtained by chemical coprecipitation method as room temperature-based humidity sensors was also reported [26]. Phenylpropanoid, zingerone, gingerol, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid, and shogaol are the main chemical components of ginger (Zingiber officinale), whereas cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seeds consist of gallic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, etc. This chemical composition, a combination of biomolecules, acts as capping agents, reducing/stabilizing and chelating agents, and even as fuel, eventually establishing aqueous ginger/cardamom extracts as a promising green sources for the synthesis of nanomaterials. The crystalline cobalt ferrite with an average crystallite size of 100 nm was successfully synthesized using iron nitrate/cobalt nitrate with aqueous extracts of ginger/cardamom through self-combustion method [27]. The ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using starch from the stem of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) by the sol–gel synthesis with a particle size of 30–500 nm. The magnetization and coercive field of nanoparticles are inversely proportional to the increased amount of sago gel used during synthesis [28]. Polyphenols (quercetin) and phenol carboxylic acid (gallic acid), present in the ethanol extracts of Artemisia annua L. “hairy” roots, are primarily responsible for the synthesis of relatively stable nano-CoFe₂O₄ without aggregation for at least 6 months. The extracts of “hairy” root samples showed higher reducing activity (the ability to reduce ferric Fe³⁺ ions of extracts) than the control samples. These nanoferrites inhibit substantially roots growth. The environmental remediation by eliminating metal ions such as Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) from natural river water with the experimental recovery in the range of 86%–106% by adequate adsorption capacity was also reported [29].

The aromatic hydroxyl group in polyphenolic acid (secondary metabolite in rambutan peel extract (Nephelium lappaceum L.)) is responsible as a capping agent to afford regular and homogeneous nanomaterials. The phenolic hydroxyl groups of polyphenols bind effectively with the metal to furnish a metal phenolate complex by the chelating effect. Such complex subsequently resulted in superparamagnetic ZnO/CoFe₂O₄ nanorod by heat treatment. The composite ZnO/CoFe₂O₄ possesses a small bandgap, which displays light absorption capacity. The amalgamation of an n-type semiconductor (ZnO) and a p-type semiconductor (CoFe₂O₄) furnished homogeneous fine particles grains with conducive bandgap to exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity with 99.6% degradation of Direct Red 81 dye by solar light after 2 hr [30]. CoFe₂O₄ and Ag_xCo_1−xFe₂O₄ were synthesized with eco-friendly green method via sol–gel autocombustion method with extracts from tulsi seed (Ocimum sanctum) and garlic cloves (Allium sativum). The antibacterial activity of synthesized nanomaterials was tested on E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes strains by disk diffusion method. The average zone of inhibition for both strains is 7–9 mm. Moreover, dopant (Ag concentration) has positive impact on antibacterial activity that increases by inducing the higher surface oxygen species, subsequently killing the bacteria [31]. Two researchers developed efficient conventional sol–gel autocombustion [32] and microwave combustion [33] methods using aloe vera plant extract for the preparation of CoFe₂O₄ nanostructures. The comprehensive summary of recently reported (2015–2021) green synthesis of cobalt ferrite with various green agents is given in Table 1.

A simple method is reported by the “green” route using grape peel extract and grape pulp extract to get cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with ∼5 and ∼25 nm crystallite sizes, respectively. These nanoparticles were found to be active in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide [34]. Grape juice, as a novel and green fuel, is used to prepare nano-CoFe₂O₄@SiO₂@Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanocomposite as recyclable photocatalyst [35]. The aqueous extracts of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds were successfully used to prepare the nanocobalt ferrites through self-combustion and wet ferritization methods with sizes between 3 and 20 nm. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 8739, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. faecalis ATCC 29212) bacterial and fungal (C. albicans ATCC 10231) strains. Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited lower MIC values against E. faecalis (0.25–0.5 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa (0.125 mg/mL), and C. albicans (>1 mg/mL), whereas the antibiofilm activity was manifested at both high and low concentrations. All tested ferrites found to be noncytotoxic at lower concentrations (7.8–250 mg/mL), whereas at higher concentrations (500–1,000 mg/mL) exhibited high toxicity on the human ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cell line [36]. CoFe₂O₄@ZnO–CeO₂ magnetic nanocomposite was prepared by eco-friendly and economical process with Crataegus microphylla fruit extract with 70–80 nm size. The antibacterial effect was investigated against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus strains. However, only S. aureus showed excellent antibacterial activity. The photocatalytic performance was examined by degradation of humic acid (HA). After 100 min, 97.2% and 72.4% of HA pollutants were degraded successfully under exposure of UV and visible light irradiations, respectively [37].

A highly stable and dispersed composite of cobalt ferrite–silica was prepared using an herbal material (Salix alba bark extract) via the self-propagating sol–gel process to furnish 15 nm particle size. The saturation magnetization values were found to be directly proportional to the amount of S. alba bark extract used for synthesis. The adsorption equilibrium of Malachite green (MG) (triphenyl methane dye) onto CoFe₂O₄/SiO₂ possesses monolayer adsorption with a capacity of 75.5 ± 1.21 mg g⁻¹, demonstrated by the Langmuir models. The adsorption process kinetics was established by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The composite was found to be an effective magnetic adsorbent for MG removal from water [38]. Leaf extract of medicinal plant Paederia foetida Linn. (Family: Rubiaceae) with rich phytochemicals like polysaccharides and phenolic compounds has been used as a stabilizing agent to prepare cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) using a hydroxylating agent (urea) with 10–80 nm size. Furthermore, pronounced activity in oxidative degradation of MB and rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of H₂O₂ under solar irradiation was reported [39]. The catalytic potential of magnesium–cobalt ferrite (MgCoFe₂O₄) obtained using an aqueous extract of apple skins by green sol–gel autocombustion and the three-component condensation reaction of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid, aldehydes, and malononitrile to afford pyrano[2,3-d] pyrimidinedione and their bis-derivatives as a multicomponent reaction were demonstrated [40].

Many researchers reported the preparation of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles using phytochemicals derived from Mangifera indica leaf extract [41], methanol crude extract of rhizomes of Iraqi Rheum ribes [42], cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale) [43], sucrose, and olive leaf extract with the sol–gel autocombustion method [44] and apple cider vinegar (ACV) with the sol–gel autocombustion technique [45]. Further, rosemary extract/sucrose and its application on anticancer drug (doxorubicin (DOX)) delivery from CoFe₂O₄-tripolyphosphate-chitosan (CFO-TPP-CS) as well as effective against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cell) in an acidic medium was investigated [46]. The curd was used as “green” fuel for the preparation of nanostructured Zn-doped cobalt ferrites via combustion method with crystallite size in the range of 12–21 nm and identified its potential effect as photocatalyst for degradation of Congo red and Evans blue dyes under visible light. Antibacterial activity was inspected against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi) bacterial strains. S. typhi showed high antibacterial activity with the inhibition zone of Zn-doped CoFe₂O₄ (22 mm) compared to CoFe₂O₄ (16 mm) [47].

Two research groups independently implemented lemon juice as the green source; first, in accomplishing the synthesis of Samarium (Sm)-doped cobalt (CoFe_1.9Sm_0.1O₄) ferrite nanoparticles within the range of 10–22 nm by sol–gel autocombustion technique [48]. Second, a modified Pechini method using sucrose to exhibit excellent release of an anticancer drug (DOX) from CoFe₂O₄-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-DOX nanocomposite [49]. Besides these extensive investigations on synthesis and applications of green sources for the nanomaterials development, many inspired researchers used more numbers of diverse green sources for the nanoapplications such as the synthesis of nano-Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nd_0.02Fe_1.98O₄ (CoNiNdFO) ferrites with various plant extracts (cardamom seeds, date fruits, flaxseed, tragacanth gum, lavender seeds, and moringa) using a sol–gel approach and these obtained nanoparticles were effective against S. aureus. The cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) cell lines were used for anticancer activity by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The result exhibited a significant decrease in cancer cell viability [50].

The fungi had the potential to yield an extensive array of treasured nanoscale materials. A simple method for the synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles using the fungus Monascus purpureus ATCC16436 cell-free culture filtrate was demonstrated. The obtained nanomaterial exhibited moderate antioxidant potential with IC₅₀ value of 100.25 μg mL⁻¹ against 25.31 μg mL⁻¹ of ascorbic acid by DPPH free radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. Antimicrobial assay was performed on bacterial strains (S. aureus ATCC6538, E. coli ATCC11229, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC13883, and P. aeruginosa ATCC15442) and fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and C. albicans ATCC10231) using agar well diffusion assay technique. MIC of the E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae was 250 and 500 μg mL⁻¹. MIC of the fungal species at 250 μg mL⁻¹ showed 14.53, 10.53, 11.76, and 9.53 mm inhibition zones of growth around the agar well for A. niger, A. solani, F. oxysporum, and C. albicans, respectively. It indicates that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial as well as antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of all the tested species. Human breast carcinoma (MCF-7), hepatocelluar carcinoma (HepG2), and normal human melanocytes (HFB-4) cell lines were selected for anticancer activity studies by MTT assay. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited IC₅₀ values as 61.86, 45.21, and 200 μg mL⁻¹ against HepG2, MCF-7, and HFB-4, respectively. Results indicate concentration-dependent cell death with significant decrease in cell proliferation by increasing concentration [51].

Egg white, the natural polymer, is highly soluble in water, able to associate with metal ions in solution, and effective binder cum gel to shape bulk and porous ceramics. Moreover, the egg white is also popular among researchers as a biotemplate for the green synthesis of cobalt ferrite [52–56]. Cobalt ferrite and nickel-substituted cobalt ferrites were afforded by herbal medicine, Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae) plant extract with 32 and 26 nm size, respectively. The clinical isolates of Gram-positive (S. aureus and E. faecalis) and Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and S. typhi) bacterial strains were utilized for antibacterial studies. The tested nanoparticles exhibit a significant antibacterial effect against S. aureus (26 mm) at the concentration of 100 μg mL⁻¹. Moreover, due to the narrow bandgap, prepared nanoparticles exhibited superior photodegradation of textile dyes (MB, RhB, Eriochrome black T, Rose bengal, and Evans blue) under visible light to offer better choices for wastewater treatment application [57]. Cydonia oblonga extract was successfully utilized to get cobalt ferrite with a crystallite size of about 8 nm [58].

Aqueous solution of torajabin afforded 20–60 nm sized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Acid Orange 7 (AO7) dye was successfully degraded under sunlight exposure. The cytotoxic activity was investigated on breast cancer cell (MCF-7), colon cancer cell (CaCo₂), and mouse embryo fibroblast cell (NIH-3T3) cell lines using MTT assay. Pleasingly, tested nanoparticles were found to be nontoxic against cancer and normal cell lines [59]. Caffeine afforded an average particle size of 9 nm. MTT cytotoxicity assay was performed on the U87 cell lines (in a human primary glioblastoma cell line with epithelial morphology) and no cytotoxicity effect was observed [60]. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) roots [61], C. microphylla fruit extract [37], tamarind extract [62, 63], agar–agar from red seaweed (Rhodophyta) [64], Azadirachta indica leaves extract [65], Chenopodium album leaf extract [66], Coriandrum sativum extracts [67], verjuice extract [68], Moringa oleifera leaf extract [69], ginger root extract/Elettaria cardamomum seed extract [70], and baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) [71] were successfully used for green synthesis of cobalt ferrite and related compositions.

3. Potential Applications of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

One can quickly agree with the significant importance of cobalt ferrite derived from green synthesis with numerous advantages in environmental and biomedical applications.

3.1. Environmental Applications

3.1.1. Metal Ions Detection/Removal for Environmental Remediation

Traces of heavy metals and metalloids (enforce serious health hazards to humankind and aquatic life even at very low concentrations) are primarily responsible for water pollution, and have one of the global challenges. Conventional and nonconventional heavy metal removal, with multiple drawbacks, attracted attention to cobalt ferrite nanomaterials with adsorption properties. The cobalt ferrite exhibits high adsorption and sorption kinetics properties attributed to its unusual physicochemical behavior with the nanosize, shape, morphology, and a number of reactive sites on the surface through corners, edges, and defects [72]. Additionally, the formation of chemical bonding such as hydrogen bonding, the weak π–π or electrostatic interactions, ion-exchange phenomenon, and surface complexion is primarily responsible for the adsorption mechanism [73].(1)Using a similar mechanism of adsorption, manganese(II) ions from industrial wastewater were detected [41].(2)One environmental pollutant lead (Pb), being a highly toxic heavy metal, seriously affects human health with many diseases (alteration in physiological functions, neurological, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular disorders). The worldwide acceptable poisoning level for Pb in the blood is 10 μg/dl [74]. This dangerous environmental pollutant was successfully removed from polluted water via the adsorption mechanism of green cobalt ferrite nanomaterials [29].

3.1.2. Photocatalytic Activity by Degradation of Dyes

Among numerous synthetic dyes, many consist of toxic organic compounds and are majorly responsible for water pollution. Effluents from textile industries are significant contributors to dye pollution. Atmospheric and aquatic harmful organic components were effectively degraded using light sources like sunlight or UV light by semiconductor heterogeneous photocatalysts. Abundant reports in the literature proved the effectiveness of nanoferrite and their composites as photocatalyst through active free radical generation for the degradation of dyes [75]. Cobalt ferrites furnished from green synthesis efficiently degraded well-known dyes [64], specifically MB [56] RhB [39], Direct Red 81 [30], Congo red/Evans blue [47], anionic brilliant blue-R (BB-R) [55], and MG [38].

3.2. Biomedical Applications

3.2.1. Antimicrobial Activity

Human and animal health is always under threat from emerging, re-emerging, and persistence of microbial infectious diseases. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risk affects mankind’s health globally. Hence, many antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections increase exponentially, leading to large numbers of death. Research on antimicrobial progressing swiftly with new strategies like nanomaterials. Nano-CoFe₂O₄ exhibited potent antimicrobial activity [61].

3.2.2. Antibiofilm Activity

Biofilm forming from a variety of microbial pathogens can pose a serious health hazard that is difficult to combat. Mostly, the existing antimicrobial agents failed to penetrate the biofilm; development of drug resistance and biofilm-mediated inactivation or modification of antimicrobial enzymes are the main drawbacks of conventional antibiotics [76]. Fortunately, nanocobalt ferrite exhibits antibiofilm-forming activity [36].

3.2.3. Antioxidant

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are detrimental to several tissues in the body, which invite many chronic health issues, including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, cataracts, and cancer. Nanomaterials can act as an antioxidant by preventing the formation or scavenging or decomposition of radicals. Nanocobalt ferrites exhibit excellent antioxidant activity [51].

3.2.4. Magnetic Hyperthermal Therapy

Hyperthermia therapy, one of the treatment methods for cancer, generates higher-temperature tumors that can induce cancer cell death. Synthesis of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles having the highest saturation magnetization with functionalized surfaces to attach to target tissues or cells selectively followed by applying heat with the help of an external alternating magnetic field has been an appealing area of research. The main concern lies with toxicity and duration to complete elimination of nanomaterial [77]. The quantity of energy dissipated by the nanomaterials per unit of the mass of the particles per unit of time is the specific absorption rate (SAR) or specific loss power. Hence, the estimation of temperature rise in response to the applied field indicates a particular loss of power (a very important magnetic property) which has a significant impact on the hyperthermic efficiency of magnetic nanomaterials. Nanocobalt ferrite was found to be an effective magnetic hyperthermia agent [21]. By far, nano-CoFe₂O₄ with high magnetic anisotropy is the most widely studied nanomaterials for hyperthermia therapy applications. Moreover, a tiny size of CoFe₂O₄, as compared with other ferrites, offers better heating efficiency [60].

3.2.5. Biocompatibility (Cytotoxicity, Cell Viability)

Considering various biomedical applications, it is crucial to evaluate the biocompatibility of nanoferrite. Biocompatible material performs its desired action without adverse effects on the surrounding. The intensity of material that can cause damage to a cell is cytotoxicity, whereas cell viability is the number of healthy cells present. Effective biocompatibility of cobalt ferrite obtained by green synthesis is reported [54].

3.2.6. Anticancer Drug Delivery

Delivering anticancer drugs to a specific site for the result is a major challenge in present anticancer treatment. Nanomaterials have unique biological properties that allow them to bind, absorb, and carry anticancer drugs and imaging agents with high efficiency. Moreover, they can release the medicine in a controlled manner at a preselected biosite [78]. Cobalt ferrite was established as an effective drug delivery carrier; it was successfully demonstrated on anticancer drug (DOX) [46]. The applications of synthetic or green-mediated nanoparticles in biomedicine are immense [79, 80]. More investigations are warranted to understand their bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety concerns.

3.2.7. Image Contrast Agents in MRI

The magnetic ferrite nanoparticles steered new advancements for specific imaging of cancer tissue and significantly contributed to the field of oncology [81]. The high distribution capacity and crystallinity offer to exhibit superior harmful contrast enhancements for target-specific tumor imaging that subsequently provide excellent imaging and targeting abilities for in vitro imaging applications [82]. In clinical use of MRI, cobalt ferrites induced high signal intensity of T2 contrast agents compared to iron oxide nanoparticles to diagnose many diseases in the liver and spleen for MR contrast agents [83]. Functionalized ferrite nanoparticles with suitable tumor-targeting ligands such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, or small molecules help to precisely target and provide high contrast to tumor tissue. Appropriate manipulation to enhanced r2/r1 ratios, superior cytocompatibility, excellent hemocompatibility, and enhanced T1 and T2 relaxation time are ultimately responsible for in vitro MRI contrast enhancement [84]. Doping of metals such as manganese–zinc and gadolinium has shown high contrast in MRI [85, 86].

3.2.8. Biosensor

In high-performance clinical diagnosis, ferrite magnetic nanoparticles are popular biosensors. These biosensors require well-tuned physicochemical properties for probes detection to produce specific biological signals with minimal nonspecific binding. The factors primarily responsible for biosensing property are synthesis route, particle size, functionalization, sensitivity toward targeted intercellular biological molecules, and lower signal-to-noise ratio [87]. Cobalt ferrite biosensors with less magnetic susceptibility are capable of finding on-spot biomarkers in the biosamples. Excellent sensitivity, cheapness, high stability, great selectivity, and quick response at low temperature make cobalt ferrite sensors favorable for medical industries [88]. Moreover, it is expected to get enhanced biosensing properties of cobalt ferrite prepared using natural resources.

In one of the earliest clinical trials, polystyrene-coated iron oxide NPs were used to enhance MRI of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Since 1996, multiple nanoferrite compositions have been in clinical trials that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Typical examples of coating agents include dextran/carboxydextran in ferumoxtran, ferumoxide, and ferucarbotran; PEG in feruglose; and aminosilane in NanoTherm™. GastroMARK® utilizes siloxane-coated iron oxide NPs for MRI of the GIT. Ferumoxytol is a polyglucose-sorbitol-carboxymethyl-ether-coated γ-Fe₂O₃ that was developed and approved in the year 2000 as an MRI contrast agent for many cancers [89].

4. Challenges, Drawbacks, and Prospects

Although green synthesis of nanoscale cobalt ferrite has excellent potential, however, it possesses several challenges and drawbacks, such as availability/selection of specific material (complex extraction procedures, seasonal/regional availability of raw materials and their compositions), suitable synthesis conditions, quantity/quality control of the product (low purity and poor yield), and particular applications. These constraints pose difficulties in large-scale production adaptability/reproducibility (time and place of production) and industrial application of green-synthesized nanoscale cobalt ferrite. Therefore, selecting the best natural resource (cheap and commercially available raw material), applying large-scale feasible synthesis conditions, focusing yield improvement, achieving appropriate quality and size of nanoparticles, and employing simple energy-saving technology are a few of the research directions needed to be explored in the future. Therefore, it is anticipated that green synthesis of nanoscale cobalt ferrite has a broad prospect and great potential for development.

5. Conclusion

Utilizing natural resources for green synthesis is a cutting-edge and flourishing areas in exploring for enhanced environmentally favorable methods to afford nanoparticles. Using plant extracts or microorganisms for synthesizing nanoferrites is a more promising approach than conventional process. Considering broader applications of cobalt ferrite in biomedical and environmental remediations, we compiled recent developments on green synthesis of simple and mixed nanocobalt ferrite with distinct applicational advantages.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. Yasinalli Tamboli for help during manuscript preparation.

References

M. Hassanisaadi, A. H. S. Bonjar, A. Rahdar, R. S. Varma, N. Ajalli, and S. Pandey, “Eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Aloysia citrodora leaf extract and evaluations of their bioactivities,” Materials Today Communications, vol. 33, Article ID 104183, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Pourmadadi, M. M. Eshaghi, S. Ostovar et al., “UiO-66 metal–organic framework nanoparticles as gifted MOFs to the biomedical application: a comprehensive review,” Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, vol. 76, Article ID 103758, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Bayda, M. Adeel, T. Tuccinardi, M. Cordani, and F. Rizzolio, “The history of nanoscience and nanotechnology: from chemical–physical applications to nanomedicine,” Molecules, vol. 25, no. 1, Article ID 112, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Hazra and N. N. Ghosh, “Preparation of nanoferrites and their applications,” Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 1983–2000, 2014.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. M. Ansari, K. C. Ghosh, R. S. Devan et al., “Eco-friendly synthesis, crystal chemistry, and magnetic properties of manganese-substituted CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles,” ACS Omega, vol. 5, no. 31, pp. 19315–19330, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Ali, T. Shah, R. Ullah et al., “Review on recent progress in magnetic nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and diverse applications,” Frontiers in Chemistry, vol. 9, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Amiri and H. Shokrollahi, “The role of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles in medical science,” Materials Science and Engineering: C, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2013.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Jauhar, J. Kaur, A. Goyal, and S. Singhal, “Tuning the properties of cobalt ferrite: a road towards diverse applications,” RSC Advances, vol. 6, no. 100, pp. 97694–97719, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Barani, A. Rahdar, M. Mukhtar et al., “Recent application of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as a theranostic agent,” Materials Today Chemistry, vol. 26, Article ID 101131, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
B. A. de Marco, B. S. Rechelo, E. G. Tótoli, A. C. Kogawa, and H. R. N. Salgado, “Evolution of green chemistry and its multidimensional impacts: a review,” Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Pandey, N. Son, S. Kim, D. Balakrishnan, and M. Kang, “Locust bean gum-based hydrogels embedded magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles nanocomposite: advanced materials for environmental and energy applications,” Environmental Research, vol. 214, Part 3, Article ID 114000, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Pandey, N. Son, and M. Kang, “Synergistic sorption performance of karaya gum crosslink poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) @ metal nanoparticle for organic pollutants,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 210, pp. 300–314, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
T. Dippong, E. A. Levei, and O. Cadar, “Recent advances in synthesis and applications of MFe₂O₄ (M = Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn) nanoparticles,” Nanomaterials, vol. 11, no. 6, Article ID 1560, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Verma, S. Pathak, A. K. Srivastava, S. Prawer, and S. Tomljenovic-Hanic, “ZnO nanomaterials: green synthesis, toxicity evaluation and new insights in biomedical applications,” Journal of Alloys and Compounds, vol. 876, Article ID 160175, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Ying, Z. Guan, P. C. Ofoegbu et al., “Green synthesis of nanoparticles: current developments and limitations,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, vol. 26, Article ID 102336, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Komeili, “Molecular mechanisms of compartmentalization and biomineralization in magnetotactic bacteria,” FEMS Microbiology Reviews, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 232–255, 2012.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Gul, S. B. Khan, I. Ur Rehman, M. A. Khan, and M. I. Khan, “A comprehensive review of magnetic nanomaterials modern day theranostics,” Frontiers in Materials, vol. 6, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. Kombaiah, J. J. Vijaya, L. J. Kennedy, M. Bououdina, R. J. Ramalingam, and H. A. Al-Lohedan, “Okra extract-assisted green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and their optical, magnetic, and antimicrobial properties,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, vol. 204, pp. 410–419, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. L. Routray, S. Saha, and D. Behera, “Insight into the anomalous electrical behavior, dielectric and magnetic study of Ag-doped CoFe₂O₄ synthesised by okra extract-assisted green synthesis,” Journal of Electronic Materials, vol. 49, pp. 7244–7258, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
T. Tatarchuk, A. Shyichuk, Z. Sojka et al., “Green synthesis, structure, cations distribution and bonding characteristics of superparamagnetic cobalt–zinc ferrites nanoparticles for Pb(II) adsorption and magnetic hyperthermia applications,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, vol. 328, Article ID 115375, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. J. Inbaraj, B. Chandran, and C. Mangalaraj, “Synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite via honey mediated sol–gel auto combustion method and hydrothermal method with enhanced photocatalytic and efficient Pb⁺² adsorption property,” Materials Research Express, vol. 6, no. 5, Article ID 55501, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. R. Chavan, P. P. Khirade, S. B. Somvanshi, S. V. Mukhamale, and K. M. Jadhav, “Eco-friendly green synthesis and characterizations of CoFe_2−xAl_xO₄ nanocrystals: analysis of structural, magnetic, electrical, and dielectric properties,” Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 469–481, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. K. Satheeshkumar, E. R. Kumar, C. Srinivas et al., “Study of structural, morphological and magnetic properties of Ag substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles prepared by honey assisted combustion method and evaluation of their antibacterial activity,” Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, vol. 469, pp. 691–697, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
P. Tiwari, S. N. Kane, U. P. Deshpande, T. Tatarchuk, F. Mazaleyrat, and B. Rachiy, “Cr content-dependent modification of structural, magnetic properties and bandgap in green synthesized Co–Cr nano-ferrites,” Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, vol. 699, no. 1, pp. 39–50, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. Gingasu, I. Mindru, L. Patron et al., “Green synthesis methods of CoFe₂O₄ and Ag-CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using hibiscus extracts and their antimicrobial potential,” Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 2016, Article ID 2106756, 12 pages, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
P. Kushwaha and P. Chauhan, “Facile green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using hibiscus extract and their application in humidity sensing properties,” Inorganic and Nano-Metal Chemistry, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. Gingaşu, I. Mîndru, S. Preda et al., “Green synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles using plant extracts,” Revue Roumaine de Chimie, vol. 62, no. 8-9, pp. 645–653, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
A. Hunyek, C. Sirisathitkul, C. Mahaphap, U. Boonyang, and W. Tangwatanakul, “Sago starch: chelating agent in sol–gel synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles,” Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society, vol. 53, pp. 173–176, 2017.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
N. Kobylinska, D. Klymchuk, A. Shakhovsky et al., “Biosynthesis of magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles using extracts of “hairy” roots: preparation, characterization, estimation for environmental remediation and biological application,” RSC Advances, vol. 11, no. 43, pp. 26974–26987, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
Rahmayeni, A. Alfina, Y. Stiadi, H. J. Lee, and Z. Zulhadjri, “Green synthesis and characterization of ZnO–CoFe₂O₄ semiconductor photocatalysts prepared using rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peel extract,” Materials Research, vol. 22, no. 5, Article ID e20190228, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
P. Mahajan, A. Sharma, B. Kaur, N. Goyal, and S. Gautam, “Green synthesized (Ocimum sanctum and Allium sativum) Ag-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for antibacterial application,” Vacuum, vol. 161, pp. 389–397, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. L. Routray, S. Saha, and D. Behera, “Green synthesis approach for nano sized CoFe₂O₄ through aloe vera mediated sol–gel auto combustion method for high frequency devices,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, vol. 224, pp. 29–35, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Manikandan, R. Sridhar, S. A. Antony, and S. Ramakrishna, “A simple aloe vera plant-extracted microwave and conventional combustion synthesis: morphological, optical, magnetic and catalytic properties of CoFe₂O₄ nanostructures,” Journal of Molecular Structure, vol. 1076, pp. 188–200, 2014.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
T. Tatarchuk, N. Danyliuk, A. Shyichuk, V. Kotsyubynsky, I. Lapchuk, and V. Mandzyuk, “Green synthesis of cobalt ferrite using grape extract: the impact of cation distribution and inversion degree on the catalytic activity in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide,” Emergent Materials, vol. 5, pp. 89–103, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Zinatloo-Ajabshir and M. Salavati-Niasari, “Preparation of magnetically retrievable CoFe₂O₄@SiO₂@Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanocomposites as novel photocatalyst for highly efficient degradation of organic contaminants,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 174, Article ID 106930, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. Gingasu, I. Mindru, O. C. Mocioiu et al., “Synthesis of nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite through soft chemistry methods: a green chemistry approach using sesame seed extract,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, vol. 182, pp. 219–230, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Naghizadeh, S. Mohammadi-Aghdam, and S. Mortazavi-Derazkola, “Novel CoFe₂O₄@ZnO–CeO₂ ternary nanocomposite: sonochemical green synthesis using Crataegus microphylla extract, characterization and their application in catalytic and antibacterial activities,” Bioorganic Chemistry, vol. 103, Article ID 104194, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Amiri, M. Salavati-Niasari, A. Akbari, and T. Gholami, “Removal of malachite green (a toxic dye) from water by cobalt ferrite silica magnetic nanocomposite: herbal and green sol–gel autocombustion synthesis,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, no. 39, pp. 24846–24860, 2017.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
B. Bhuyan, B. Paul, A. Paul, and S. S. Dhar, “Paederia foetida Linn. promoted synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ and NiFe₂O₄ nanostructures and their photocatalytic efficiency,” IET Nanobiotechnology, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 235–240, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Atarod, J. Safari, M. Tavakolizadeh, and A. Pourjavadi, “A facile green synthesis of MgCoFe₂O₄ nanomaterials with robust catalytic performance in the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione and their bis-derivatives,” Molecular Diversity, vol. 25, pp. 2183–2200, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. U. Okwunodulu, H. O. Chukwuemeka-Okorie, and F. C. Okorie, “Biological synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles from Mangifera indica leaf extract and application by detection of manganese (II) ions present in industrial wastewater,” Chemical Science International Journal, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. M. H. M. Jawad, R. D. A. Jalill, A. M. Al-Shammari, and A. N. Abd, “Phytosynthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by crude extract of Rheum ribes,” Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 14801–14819, 2021.
View at: Google Scholar
E. B. Sabino da Silva, S. R. da Silva Ferreira, A. O. da Silva et al., “Cashew gum as a sol–gel precursor for green synthesis of nanostructured Ni and Co ferrites,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 164, pp. 4245–4251, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. S. Banifatemi, F. Davar, B. Aghabarari, J. A. Segura, F. J. Alonso, and S. M. Ghoreishi, “Green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using olive leaf extract and characterization of their magnetic properties,” Ceramics International, vol. 47, no. 13, pp. 19198–19204, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Afshari, A.-R. Rouhani Isfahani, S. Hasani, F. Davar, and K. J. Ardakani, “Effect of apple cider vinegar agent on the microstructure, phase evolution, and magnetic properties of CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles,” International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 1612–1621, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Ghanbari, F. Davar, and A. E. Shalan, “Effect of rosemary extract on the microstructure, phase evolution, and magnetic behavior of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles and its application on anti-cancer drug delivery,” Ceramics International, vol. 47, Part A, no. 7, pp. 9409–9417, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Madhukara Naik, H. S. Bhojya Naik, G. Nagaraju, M. Vinuth, K. Vinu, and R. Viswanath, “Green synthesis of zinc doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: structural, optical, photocatalytic and antibacterial studies,” Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects, vol. 19, Article ID 100322, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. N. Ravindra, K. S. Krishna, K. P. Akhilesh, and B. Vaishali, “Green synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of Sm doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles,” AIP Conference Proceedings, vol. 2244, Article ID 070026, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Cheraghi, F. Davar, M. Homayoonfal, and A. Hojjati-Najafabadi, “Effect of lemon juice on microstructure, phase changes, and magnetic performance of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and their use on release of anti-cancer drugs,” Ceramics International, vol. 47, no. 14, pp. 20210–20219, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. A. Almessiere, Y. Slimani, S. Rehman, F. A. Khan, M. Sertkol, and A. Baykal, “Green synthesis of Nd substituted Co-Ni nanospinel ferrites: a structural, magnetic, and antibacterial/anticancer investigation,” Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, vol. 55, no. 5, Article ID 055002, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
E.-S. R. El-Sayed, H. K. Abdelhakim, and Z. Zakaria, “Extracellular biosynthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by Monascus purpureus and their antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities: yield enhancement by gamma irradiation,” Materials Science and Engineering: C, vol. 107, Article ID 110318, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. A. Gabal, D. F. Katowah, M. A. Hussein et al., “Structural and magnetoelectrical properties of MFe₂O₄ (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Mg, and Zn) ferrospinels synthesized via an egg-white biotemplate,” ACS Omega, vol. 6, no. 34, pp. 22180–22187, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
L. Yu and A. Sun, “Influence of different complexing agents on structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of Mg–Co ferrites synthesized by sol–gel auto-combustion method,” Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, vol. 32, pp. 10549–10563, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Sunny, K. S. Aneesh Kumar, V. Karunakaran et al., “Magnetic properties of biocompatible CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using a facile synthesis,” Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects, vol. 16, pp. 69–76, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. A. Khan, M. M. Alam, M. Naushad, Z. A. Alothman, M. Kumar, and T. Ahamad, “Sol–gel assisted synthesis of porous nano-crystalline CoFe₂O₄ composite and its application in the removal of brilliant blue-R from aqueous phase: an ecofriendly and economical approach,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 279, pp. 416–424, 2015.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Saha, S. Mukherjee, S. Kumar, S. Dey, and A. Gayen, “Albumin matrix assisted wet chemical synthesis of nanocrystalline MFe₂O₄ (M = Cu, Co and Zn) ferrites for visible light driven degradation of methylene blue by hydrogen peroxide,” RSC Advances, vol. 6, no. 63, pp. 58125–58136, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. M. Naik, H. S. B. Naik, N. Kottam, M. Vinuth, G. Nagaraju, and M. C. Prabhakara, “Multifunctional properties of microwave-assisted bioengineered nickel doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles,” Journal of Sol–Gel Science and Technology, vol. 91, pp. 578–595, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
T. Tatarchuk, M. Liaskovska, V. Kotsyubynsky, and M. Bououdina, “Green synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles using Cydonia oblonga extract: structural and mössbauer studies,” Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, vol. 672, no. 1, pp. 54–66, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Miri, M. Sarani, A. Najafidoust, M. Mehrabani, F. A. Zadeh, and R. S. Varma, “Photocatalytic performance and cytotoxic activity of green-synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles,” Materials Research Bulletin, vol. 149, Article ID 111706, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Amiri, M. Salavati-Niasari, A. Pardakhty, M. Ahmadi, and A. Akbari, “Caffeine: a novel green precursor for synthesis of magnetic CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and pH-sensitive magnetic alginate beads for drug delivery,” Materials Science and Engineering: C, vol. 76, pp. 1085–1093, 2017.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. A. Moradiya, P. K. Khiriya, and P. S. Khare, “Green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ ferrofluid: investigation of structural, magnetic and rheological behavior,” Asian Journal of Nanoscience and Materials, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 263–273, 2021.
View at: Google Scholar
T. R. Smitha, T. Bhadran, V. Shanker, and K. H. Prema, “Magnetic and dielectric characterisation of PANI - cobalt ferrite nano composite synthesized via green medium,” International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 1152–1159, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. Gingasu, I. Mindru, D. C. Culita et al., “Structural, morphological and magnetic investigations on cobalt ferrite nanoparticles obtained through green synthesis routes,” Applied Physics A, vol. 127, Article ID 892, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
L. S. Ferreira, T. R. Silva, J. R. D. Santos et al., “Structure, magnetic behavior and OER activity of CoFe₂O₄ powders obtained using agar–agar from red seaweed (Rhodophyta),” Materials Chemistry and Physics, vol. 237, Article ID 121847, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Saeed, A. Mansha, M. Hamayun, A. Ahmad, A. Ulhaq, and M. Ashfaq, “Green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ and investigation of its catalytic efficiency for degradation of dyes in aqueous medium,” Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, vol. 232, no. 3, pp. 359–371, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Mostaghni, A. Daneshvar, and M. Sakhaie, “Green synthesis of nano size CoFe₂O₄ using Chenopodium album leaf extract for photo degradation of organic pollutants,” Iranian Chemical Communications Quarterly, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 364–493, 2017.
View at: Google Scholar
S. Sundram, S. Baskar, and A. Subramanian, “Green synthesized nickel doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity and induce reactive oxygen species mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells through inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway,” Environmental Toxicology, vol. 37, no. 12, pp. 2877–2888, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Kiani, F. Davar, and M. Bazarganipour, “Influence of verjuice extract on the morphology, phase, and magnetic properties of green synthesized CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticle: its application as an anticancer drug delivery,” Ceramics International, vol. 48, Part A, no. 23, pp. 34895–34906, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. L. Puspitarum, N. I. Istiqomah, R. M. Tumbelaka et al., “High performance of magnetically separable and recyclable photocatalyst of green-synthesized CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites for degradation of methylene blue,” Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 13, no. 4, Article ID 45003, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Barkat, M. Afzal, B. S. Khan et al., “Formation mechanism and lattice parameter investigation for copper-substituted cobalt ferrites from Zingiber officinale and Elettaria cardamom seed extracts using biogenic route,” Materials, vol. 15, no. 13, Article ID 4374, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. K. Jha and K. Prasad, “Biological synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles,” Nanotechnology Development, vol. 2, no. 1, Article ID e9, 2012.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Kumar, H. S. Dosanjh, Sonika, J. Singh, K. Monir, and H. Singh, “Review on magnetic nanoferrites and their composites as alternatives in waste water treatment: synthesis, modifications and applications,” Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 491–514, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. H. K. Reddy and Y.-S. Yun, “Spinel ferrite magnetic adsorbents: alternative future materials for water purification?” Coordination Chemistry Reviews, vol. 315, pp. 90–111, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Balali-Mood, K. Naseri, Z. Tahergorabi, M. R. Khazdair, and M. Sadeghi, “Toxic mechanisms of five heavy metals: mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic,” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 12, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Suresh, S. Rajendran, P. S. Kumar, D.-V. N. Vo, and L. Cornejo-Ponce, “Recent advancements of spinel ferrite based binary nanocomposite photocatalysts in wastewater treatment,” Chemosphere, vol. 274, Article ID 129734, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
Y. K. Mohanta, K. Biswas, S. K. Jena, A. Hashem, E. F. Abd_Allah, and T. K. Mohanta, “Anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized by the reducing activity of phytoconstituents present in the Indian medicinal plants,” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 11, pp. 1–15, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. Peiravi, H. Eslami, M. Ansari, and H. Zare-Zardini, “Magnetic hyperthermia: potentials and limitations,” Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, vol. 99, no. 1, Article ID 100269, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. Senapati, A. K. Mahanta, S. Kumar, and P. Maiti, “Controlled drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatment and their performance,” Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, vol. 3, Article ID 7, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Sharma, P. Bedarkar, D. Timalsina, A. Chaudhary, and P. K. Prajapati, “Bhavana, an ayurvedic pharmaceutical method and a versatile drug delivery platform to prepare potentiated micro-nano-sized drugs: core concept and its current relevance,” Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications, vol. 2022, Article ID 1685393, 15 pages, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Sharma and P. K. Prajapati, “Nanotechnology in medicine: leads from Ayurveda,” Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 80-81, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
I. M. El-Sherbiny, M. El-Sayed, and A. Reda, “Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as multifunctional cancer theranostics,” in Magnetic Nanoheterostructures, S. K. Sharma and Y. Javed, Eds., pp. 223–241, Springer International Publishing, Cham, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
O. Betzer, M. Motiei, T. Dreifuss et al., “Core/shell iron oxide@gold nanoparticles for dual-modal CT/MRI imaging,” in Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications XVII, pp. 134–142, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. M. Arshad, W. Raza, N. Amin, K. Nadeem, M. I. Arshad, and M. Azhar Khan, “Synthesis and characterization of cobalt ferrites as MRI contrast agent,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 47, Suppl., pp. S50–S54, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
G. Mikhaylov, U. Mikac, M. Butinar et al., “Theranostic applications of an ultra-sensitive T₁ and T₂ magnetic resonance contrast agent based on cobalt ferrite spinel nanoparticles,” Cancers, vol. 14, no. 16, Article ID 4026, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Augustine, A. A. Mamun, A. Hasan et al., “Imaging cancer cells with nanostructures: prospects of nanotechnology driven non-invasive cancer diagnosis,” Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 294, Article ID 102457, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Javed, M. A. Abbas, M. I. Asad et al., “Gd³⁺ doped CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging,” Magnetochemistry, vol. 7, no. 4, Article ID 47, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. Tripathy, M. J. Nine, and F. S. Silva, “Biosensing platform on ferrite magnetic nanoparticles: synthesis, functionalization, mechanism and applications,” Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 290, Article ID 102380, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
M. K. Shobana, “Nanoferrites in biosensors – a review,” Materials Science and Engineering: B, vol. 272, Article ID 115344, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
S. R. Mokhosi, W. Mdlalose, A. Nhlapo, and M. Singh, “Advances in the synthesis and application of magnetic ferrite nanoparticles for cancer therapy,” Pharmaceutics, vol. 14, no. 5, Article ID 937, 2022.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar

Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Qudsiya Y. Tamboli et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

PDF Download Citation

Download other formats

Order printed copies

Views

3442

Downloads

1514

Citations