Publication

Abstract : The alarming rise in multidrug-resistant bacterial infections has necessitated the development of novel and biocompatible antimicrobial agents. In this study, NiFe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using co-precipitation method. The NiFe2O3 nanoparticles were functionalized with carboxymethyl cellulose to enhance their stability, dispersibility, and biological activity. The characterization results revealed that the CMC-modified NiFe2O3 nanoparticles exhibited an enhanced physicochemical property when compared to bare NiFe2O3. The hydrodynamic diameter of the CMC-modified NiFe2O3 nanoparticles were found to be 202.3 nm. The crystallite size of the nanoparticles was found to be 28.2 nm for NiFe2O3 and 24.3 nm for CMC-NiFe2O3. Fourier-transform infrared spectra revealed the effective functionalization of CMC through typical OH, CH, and COC vibrations. The HRTEM results revealed the homogenous particle morphology with negligible aggregation. BET analysis indicated a high surface area of 85.75 m2/g and a pore volume of 1.789 cm3/g, showing a mesoporous structure. The optical studies demonstrated a narrowed band gap from 3.22 eV to 3.12 eV, and lower PL intensity, implying better charge separation and higher surface defects. Antibacterial activity, assessed by agar well diffusion method, indicated drastically bigger zones of inhibition for CMC-NiFe2O3 over bare NiFe2O3, against Shigella dysenteriae and Proteus vulgaris. The antioxidant activity of CMC-NiFe2O3 was determined through DPPH assay which demonstrated dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. The zebrafish embryo toxicity testing revealed dose-dependent developmental anomalies, with high doses (3 mg/mL) triggering pericardial edema, tail malformation, and reduced pigmentation.