Multifunctional Characterization and Anticancer Properties of Magnetic Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles by Modified Ultrasonic Assisted Co-precipitation Method

Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized successfully via the modified ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method. Structural characterization, conducted through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement, revealed a single cubic phase with a mixed spinel structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups indicative of the spinel ferrite structure. Morphological analysis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy showcased the nanoparticles’ uniform morphology and size distribution. UV–vis spectra revealed the optical properties, while the Tauc Plot method determined the optical band gap. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirm the symmetric resonance peak with 1254 Oe line width and the Lande g value 2.133. Magnetic hysteresis loops confirm the soft magnetic nature of the nanoparticles with magnetic saturation and coercivity of 39.2 emu gm⁻¹ and 77.5 Oe. The anticancer properties against various cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG-2 and MCF-7) revealed significant anticancer activity against HepG-2 and HeLa cells compared to MCF-7 cancer cells, and the results were compared with the standard drug cisplatin. A comparative analysis of results among cancer cell lines was conducted and discussed.