ZnFe2O4 NPs Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of zinc ferrite nanoparticles@GO for the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue dye under visible light

Due to rising environmental pollution, there has been a growing focus on photo degradation catalysts for pollution removal. Under visible light irradiation, methylene blue dye (MB) photocatalytic degradation has been studied using Zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) and Zinc ferrite nanoparticles/graphene oxide (ZnFe2O4/GO). Methylene blue dye is a carcinogenic pollutant that poses risks to both humans and marine life. The synthesis of ZnFe2O4/GO was achieved by the biotemplating method. Synthesized nanoparticles were loaded on graphene oxide (GO) in different ratios (Zn1:GO1, Zn1:GO3, and Zn1:GO5). Nanocomposite characterization was done utilizing Raman Spectroscopy analysis, FT–IR, XRD, BET, FE-SEM–EDX, XPS, and TEM. The confirmation of the cubic spinel structure of ZnFe2O4 NPs has been validated uniformly distributed on the surface of the GO sheets. The vigorous interaction between ZnFe2O4 NPs and graphene sheets facilitates rapid electron mobility, enhancing electron separation and holes in photocatalytic applications. The aforementioned parameters are crucial in MB’s photocatalytic degradation performance. Photocatalytic degradation processes depend on pH solution, initial dye concentration, and catalyst dosage. The outcomes demonstrated that augmenting the proportion of graphene oxide amplified MB photo degradation. Under the optimum conditions of 1 g/L dose, pH 8, 10 mg/L initial dye concentration, and 180-min irradiation time, the degradation ratio increased to 51.17 %, 59.70 %, 89.49 %, and 97.38 % using ZnFe2O4, Zn1:GO1, Zn1:GO3, and Zn1:GO5, respectively. Based on the photo degradation process, GO exhibited superior photocatalytic performance at the highest concentration. The kinetics data showed that the photo degradation reaction adheres to the pseudo-second-order. The study indicated that the eco-friendly, non-toxic photocatalyst ZnFe2O4/GO can be used as an effective potential substance for water treatment as well as the elimination of hazardous organic dyes from aqueous solutions.

The Nurr1 ligand indole acetic acid hydrazide loaded onto ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles suppresses proinflammatory gene expressions in SimA9 microglial cells

The nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1), an orphan nuclear receptor in microglia, has been recognized as a major player in attenuating the transcription of the pro-inflammatory genes to maintain CNS homeostasis. In this study, we investigate Nurr1 trans-repression activity by targeting this receptor with one of the indole derivatives 3-Indole acetic acid hydrazide (IAAH) loaded onto zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4) NPs coated with PEG. XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and DLS were used to characterize the synthesized IAAH-NPs. The anti-inflammatory properties of IAAH-NPs on LPS-stimulated SimA9 microglia were assayed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions and protein levels using RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. As a result, IAAH-NPs showed an ability to suppress pro-inflammatory genes, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated SimA9 via targeting Nurr1. The current study suggests that ZnFe2O4 NPs as a delivery system can increase the efficiency of cellular uptake and enhance the IAAH ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we demonstrate that IAAH-NPs is a potential modulator of Nurr1 that combines nanotechnology as a delivery system to suppress neuroinflammation in CNS which opens a window for possible ambitious neuroprotective therapeutic approaches to neuro disorders.

Mechanism of ZnFe2O4 NPs on biohydrogen production by Clostridium pasteurianum

The biohydrogen production in Dark fermentation (DF) could be enhanced by ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials (NPs). The optimum conditions were obtained by a response surface method. Eventually, a biohydrogen production of 2645 mL/L was obtained after 48 h of batch culture, which is 116% higher than control without ZnFe2O4 NPs. The mechanism was investigated by a multi-scale method. In bioreactor scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could enhance the glucose metabolic ability of C. pasteurianum to promote cell growth and biohydrogen production. The metabolic pathways of biohydrogen production were shifted from the butyric acid-type to the ethanol-type. In cellular scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could reduce bacterial flagella assembly. In macromolecule scale, the activities of hydrogenase and ethanol dehydrogenase were increased. In genetic scale, the differentially expressed genes mainly involved in biohydrogen production, like those encoded Fe-only hydrogenase, ethanol dehydrogenase, and nitrogenase were up-regulated. The results could provide theoretical and technical supports for the development of commercial biohydrogen process.

Optical, conductivity, dielectric, and magnetic properties of polymer nanocomposite based on PAM/cs matrix and ZnFe2O4 NPs for use in magneto-electronic and energy storage capacitor devices

In this study, a cast synthesis approach was used to create flexible nanocomposite films made of polyacrylamide (PAM), chitosan (Cs), and zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs). XRD analysis was used to examine the composite structure. They demonstrated the effective interaction between ZnFe2O4 NPs and PAM/Cs blend. As the concentration of nanomaterial in the host polymer matrix grew, it was observed that the PAM/Cs matrix's direct and indirect energy band gaps decreased while its absorbance of ultraviolet–visible radiations increased. The nanocomposite's AC conductivity was significantly higher than that of the blend, and 2.5 wt percent of the nanocomposite showed the highest electrical conductivity. It was observed that as frequency raised, the ε′ and ε″ declined though the concentration of nanoparticles enhanced these characteristics. Because of the high dielectric permittivity of ZnFe2O4, the values of ε′ and ε″ raised as ZnFe2O4 were higher. The outcome of the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) demonstrated the ferromagnetic property of the produced nanocomposites. Furthermore, the VSM study shows that as the nanoparticles content increases, the PAM/Cs/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites' Ms, Hc, and Mr also increase. These PAM/Cs/ZnFe2O4 films were shown by the experimental results to be promising candidates for bandgap-regulated materials, electromagnetic interference shielders, frequency tunable nanodielectric, and flexible dielectric substrates for future microelectronic, optoelectronic technologies, and capacitive energy storage.

An on-site and portable electrochemical sensing platform based on spinel zinc ferrite nanoparticles for the quality control of paracetamol in pharmaceutical samples.

In this study, crystalline spinel zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) were successfully prepared and proposed as a high-performance electrode material for the construction of an electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of paracetamol (PCM). By modifying a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPE) with ZnFe2O4 NPs, the electrochemical characteristics of the ZnFe2O4/SPE and the electrochemical oxidation of PCM were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), chronoamperometry (CA), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods. The calculated electrochemical kinetic parameters from these techniques including electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), peak-to-peak separation (ΔEp), charge transfer resistance (Rct), standard heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constants (k0), electron transfer coefficient (α), catalytic rate constant (kcat), adsorption capacity (Γ), and diffusion coefficient (D) proved that the as-synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs have rapid electron/mass transfer characteristics, intrinsic electrocatalytic activity, and facilitate the adsorption-diffusion of PCM molecules towards the modified electrode surface. As expected, the ZnFe2O4/SPE offered excellent analytical performance towards sensing of PCM with a detection limit of 0.29 μM, a wide linear range of 0.5-400 μM, and high electrochemical sensitivity of 1.1 μA μM-1 cm-2. Moreover, the proposed ZnFe2O4-based electrochemical nanosensor also exhibited good repeatability, high anti-interference ability, and practical feasibility toward PCM sensing in a pharmaceutical tablet. Based on these observations, the designed electrochemical platform not only provides a high-performance nanosensor for the rapid and highly efficient detection of PCM but also opens a new avenue for routine quality control analysis of pharmaceutical formulations.

Molecular imprinting-based indirect fluorescence detection strategy implemented on paper chip for non-fluorescent microcystin

Fluorescence analysis is a fast and sensitive method, and has great potential application in trace detection of environmental toxins. However, many important environmental toxins are non-fluorescent substances, and it is still a challenge to construct a fluorescence detection method for non-fluorescent substances. Here, by means of charge transfer effect and smart molecular imprinting technology, we report a sensitive indirect fluorescent sensing mechanism (IFSM) and microcystin (MC-RR) is selected as a model target. A molecular imprinted thin film is immobilized on the surface of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) by using arginine, a dummy fragment of MC-RR. By implementation of IFSM on the paper-based microfluidic chip, a versatile platform for the quantitative assay of MC-RR is developed at trace level (the limit of detection of 0.43 μg/L and time of 20 min) in real water samples without any pretreatment. Importantly, the proposed IFSM can be easily modified and extended for the wide variety of species which lack direct interaction with the fluorescent substrate. This work offers the potential possibility to meet the requirements for the on-site analysis and may explore potential applications of molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensors.

Investigation through the anticancer properties of green synthesized spinel ferrite nanoparticles in present and absent of laser photothermal effect

Plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) by applying nanoparticles has attracted great attention as a new and effective adjuvant treatment for cancer in recent years. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with good wavelength absorption in the infrared region are widely applied in the biomedicine field. In the present study, the CoFe2O4 and -ZnFe2O4 NPs were performed by applying Rutin extract, as a non-invasive and green synthesis method, for PPTT of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Physical and structural characteristics were studied by using a Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Microscopic images confirmed a spherical shape with an average size of 29 and 25 nm for biosynthesized CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles, respectively. It is also revealed that the biosynthesized CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic behavior, with saturation magnetization of 56.2 and 6 emu/g, respectively. Therefore, these nanoparticles revealed excellent and effective magnetic characteristics as an important factor in magnetic hyperthermia therapeutic applications. The results of the MTT assay and inverted stage microscope revealed significant photothermal efficacy of green synthesized CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles combined with laser radiation against MCF-7 cells; however, this effect is more prominent for CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. MTT investigation proved the low and acceptable toxicity of these nanoparticles for normal cells as a critical parameter for biological applications.

Boosted spatial charge carrier separation of binary ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 heterojunction for visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial performance.

A potential method for removing toxins from contaminated wastewater, especially organic pollutants, is photo-catalysis. Here, a simple technique for producing zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPS) with varying quantities of sulphur doped graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites (ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs) has been described. Then, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, EDX, XPS, photocurrent response, EIS, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the photo-catalytic activity of the produced nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs) was examined and evaluated. The photo-catalytic activity of ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs was compared to a model pollutant dye, methylene blue, while degradation was evaluated spectrophotometrically (MB). Solar light has been used through irradiation as a source of lighting. The photocatalytic behaviour of the ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs photocatalyst was superior to that of genuine ZnFe2O4 and S-g-C3N4, which was attributed to synergic effects at the ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 interconnection. Antimicrobial activity of ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under visible light was performed. In addition, these ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs show a lot of promise as an antibacterial agent.

Sustainable structural, morphological and magnetic properties of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles under dynamic shock wave exposure

In this article, the authors have explored the changes caused in structural, morphological and magnetic properties of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (MgFe2O4 NPs) under dynamic shock wave exposure situations. Interestingly, the observed XRD and VSM results reveal that the MgFe2O4 NPs have outstanding crystallographic and magnetic phase stability against the impact of shock waves and found that the title NPs are having higher shock resistance than other potential materials such as TiO2, Co3O4 and ZnFe2O4 NPs.

Assessment of antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of zinc ferrite nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In response to theemergence of drug resistance and limited therapeutic options, researchers are in action to look for more effective and sustainable antimicrobial practices. Over few years, novel nanoparticles are proving to be potent and promising for effectively dealing with ever- evolving microbial pathogens and diseases. In thepresent investigation, antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficiencies of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) are explored against opportunistic pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Results of the present study demonstrate that the ZnFe2O4 NPs endow an excellent antibacterial efficiency with amaximum zone of inhibition i.e.16mm. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced bacterial damage is caused by theZnFe2O4 NPs. Subsequently, intracellular cytoplasmic leakage of sugar and protein confirms their ability to disturb the membrane integrity of bacteria. This study also demonstrates the prominent efficiency of ZnFe2O4 NPs in ananti-biofilm study by inhibiting biofilm formation up to 81.76% and reducing mature biofilm up to 56.22% at 75μg/mL the minimum inhibitory concentration value. Therapeutic possibilities of theZnFe2O4 NPs in antimicrobial applications are discussed which are helpful to overcome the challenges associated with biofilm infectivity.

Shock wave induced switchable electrical resistance of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

Shock wave induced switchable phase transition of materials in crystallographic phase and magnetic phase is one of the standout research topics in recent years and such materials are highly favorable for the applications of sensors as well as resistive memories. On this background, we have achieved the switchable magnetic phase transitions from paramagnetic to super-paramagnetic behavior of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) with respect to the number of shock pulses and this switchable magnetic phase transition is strongly related to the crystal structure of the zinc ferrite nanoparticles and it has been reported elsewhere (Mowlika et al., 2020) [11]. Furthermore, the mechanism of the above mentioned switchable phase transition of the title ferrite has been drawn by making use of Raman spectroscopic results. In addition to that, the switching behavior of the title ferrite is demonstrated considering the obtained values of specific capacitance and electrical resistivity which have been experimented through electrochemical analyses such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Based on the observed analytical results, it is proposed that the title ferrite can be a potential material for sensors, energy storage devices, resistive memories and stress history profiling applications.

Microwave assisted hydrothermally synthesized cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles for the degradation of organic dyes and antimicrobial applications

A novel photocatalyst based cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles (Co–ZnFe2O4 NPs) was prepared to actively concentrate degradation of organic dyes in water. The aim this study is to investigate the effect of substitution of Co2+ for Zn2+ in zinc ferrites nanoparticles and is characterized with UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, SEM, Photoluminescence and Vibrating sample magnetometer technique. When the calcinations temperature increases from 150 °C to 450 °C the amorphous ferrites begins to vanish and the characteristic reflections of cubic spinal Co–ZnFe2O4 phase are only observed at 450 °C. The band gap energy (Eg) of sample calcined at 250 °C is calculated at 5.2 eV and that of 450 °C is 4.5 eV. The observed value of band gap energy decreased with increasing calcinations temperature in the samples. The increase in PL peak intensity is due to collective emissions and light-scattering. The doping material, cobalt substitution at spinel zinc ferrites surface, and hence gradually decrease the amorphous effect, increase the saturation magnetization and decrease the coercivity while increasing the temperature. The compounds calcined at 250 °C and 450 °C were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A sample with 450 °C calcination temperature leads to higher efficiencies in the inhibition of growth of bacteria and degradation of organic dyes. Hence, this study provides a novel photocatalyst of Co–ZnFe2O4 NPs in the tile to degrade and analyze the environmentally ignored organic compounds.

Embedded three spinel ferrite nanoparticles in PES-based nano filtration membranes with enhanced separation properties

Abstract In this study, three types of ferrites nanoparticles including CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4, and ZnFe2O4 were synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to analyze synthesized nanoparticles and fabricated membranes. The morphology of membrane surface was investigated by surface images. The ability of ferrite nanoparticles was evaluated to the separation of sodium salt and heavy metals such as Cr2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. The modified membrane showed the enhancement of membrane surface hydrophilicity, porosity, and mean pore size. The results revealed a significant increase in pure water flux: 152.27, 178, and 172.68 L·m−2·h−1 for PES/0.001 wt% of CoFe2O4, PES/0.001 wt% NiFe2O4, and PES/0.001 wt% ZnFe2O4 NPs, respectively. Moreover, Na2SO4 rejection was reached 78% at 0.1 wt% of CoFe2O4 NPs. The highest Cr (II) rejection obtained 72% for PES/0.001 wt% of NiFe2O4 NPs while it was 46% for the neat PES membrane. The Pb(II) rejection reached above 75% at 0.1 wt% of CoFe2O4 NPs. The Cu(II) rejection was obtained 75% at 0.1 wt% of CoFe2O4 NPs. The ferrite NPs revealed the high potential of heavy metal removal in the filtration membranes.

Comparative Study between Zn and Cu Nano Ferrite in Removal of Heavy Metals and Microorganisms from Water

The effect of Nano composite materials (CuFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4) was studied for removal of heavy metals (Cd (II) and Pb (II)) from wastewater by batch adsorption method and explain their effect on the antimicrobial effectiveness on gram positive and negative bacteria. Nano composite materials were characterized by XRD where the result indicates that the average crystallite sizes were around 36.19 nm for ZnFe2O4 and 12.22 nm for CuFe2O4.The effect of contact time, adsorbent dose, pH and type of adsorbents was used to find the optimum condition for removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions .The equilibrium adsorption data was good fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and the pseudo first-order kinetic model showed the excellent fit in adsorption equilibrium capacity. The best pH used for removal was 7. The good removal reaches at the time 45 min for cadmium and need more time for lead. When increasing dosage of adsorbents, the removal efficiency increases. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit experimental data. Also, antibacterial effects of this nano particles demonstrated the effect of CuFe2O4 NPs on bacteria more than used ZnFe2O4 NPs, and the percentage of bacterial death was increased according to increase the concentration of this materials.

Evaluation of the effects of Au addition into ZnFe2O4 nanostructures on acetone detection capabilities

Spinel type zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanostructured based sensors are conducive to the detection of volatile organic compounds. However, their poor sensing capabilities hinder practical application. Herein, we produced pure ZnFe2O4 and Au modified ZnFe2O4 nanostructures to evaluate the effects of ZnFe2O4 surface modification towards acetone detection. The pure and Au modified ZnFe2O4 nanostructures were facilely prepared using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach. Successful incorporation of Au into ZnFe2O4 NPs and the subsequent influence on ZnFe2O4 nanostructure was evaluated by X-ray diffraction, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Comparative gas sensing analysis between the pure and Au modified ZnFe2O4 based sensors demonstrated that the modified sensor exhibited high response and selectivity towards acetone (C3H6O) at an operating temperature of 120 °C compared to the pure sensor owing to a high concentration of defects and sensitization effects.

Ultrasonic-assisted preparation and characterization of magnetic ZnFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanomaterial and their applications towards electrocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Nanoball-structured ferromagnetic zinc ferrite nanocrystals (ZnFe2O4 NPs) entrapped with graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was produced via straightforward and facile sonochemical synthetical technique (titanium probe; 100W/cm2 and 50KHz). The morphological (SEM), elemental (EDS), diffraction (XRD), XPS, and electrochemical studies (CV) have been carry out to verify the nanostructure and shape of the materials. The ZnFe2O4 NPs/g-C3N4 electrode (GCE) was constructed which displayed outstanding electrochemical ability towards toxic 4-nitrophenol (NTP). A sensitive, selective, reproducible, and durable electrochemical NTP sensor was developed by ZnFe2O4 NPs/g-C3N4 modified electrode. The modified sensor exhibited a high sensitivity and 4.17 nanomolars of LOD. It's greater than the LOD of previously reported NTP modified sensors. The real-time experiments of the modified electrochemical (ZnFe2O4 NPs/g-C3N4 electrode) sensor were successfully explained in various water (river and drinking) samples and its showed high standard recoveries. Therefore, sonochemical synthetical method and fabrication of modified electrode were developed this work based on environmental analysis of NTP sensor.

Synthesis of spinel ferrites nanoparticles and investigating their effect on the growth of microalgae Picochlorum sp.

Spinel ferrites nanoparticles (SNPs) have been extensively studied, synthesized and used in many applications including wastewater treatment, biosensors and as photocatalysts. The studies of the effect of these SNPs at cellular and molecular levels and their influence in the environment are scarce. Thus, in the current study, different metal ferrite SNPs were synthesized via sol-gel-combustion route and were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) analysis techniques. The effect of these SNPs on the growth of the microalgae Picochlorum sp. was then investigated. The results showed that the synthetic method used to prepare the metal ferrite SNPs leads to highly crystalline SNPs with average crystallites size between 33–36 nm except for ZnFe2O4 NPs which have crystallite size of 52 nm. The results of XRD and EDS confirmed the formation of SNPs. VSM analysis of CoFe2O4 showed the highest magnetic energy (U) and saturation magnetization (Ms) of 30870 erg/g and 60 emu/g, respectively. Although, the microalgae culture of Picochlorum sp. treated with different SNPs showed significant difference in viable cells concentration at 48 h and 72 h of incubation compared to control samples, the growth pattern of both treated and untreated samples were seen similar. This could indicate that SNPs may reduce the growth of the microalgae but will not cause severe inhibition when used at the proper concentration. This promotes their potential use for many applications.

The Synergistic Effect of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Uniformly Deposited on Silver Nanowires for the Biofilm Inhibition of Candida albicans.

Near-monodisperse zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) are synthesized by a co-precipitation method and deposited on the surface of silver nanowires (AgNWs), employing a stepwise solution method. The resulting hybrid nanostructures (ZnFe2O4@AgNWs) show a thin and uniform layer of ZnFe2O4 NPs at an optimum weight ratio of 1:6 between the two component nanostructures. The hybrid nanostructures retain the high crystal quality and phase purity of their constituents. It is demonstrated that the ZnFe2O4@AgNWs hybrid nanostructures are effective at inhibiting the biofilm formation of Candida albicans cells. The biofilm inhibition activity of the hybrid nanostructures is estimated to be more than 50% at a low concentration of 100 µg/mL from both crystal violet assay and XTT assay, which are more than 8-fold higher than those of pure AgNWs and ZnFe2O4 NPs. This greatly enhanced biofilm inhibition activity is attributed to the ZnFe2O4 NPs-carrying membrane penetration by AgNWs and the subsequent interaction between Candida cells and ZnFe2O4 NPs. These results indicate that the ZnFe2O4@AgNWs hybrid nanostructures have great potential as a new type of novel antibiofilm agent.

Simultaneous voltammetric sensing of acetaminophen, epinephrine and melatonin using a carbon paste electrode modified with zinc ferrite nanoparticles.

A highly selective electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on a modified carbon paste electrode with zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs). The nanocomposite has attractive properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio and good electrocatalytic activity towards the drugs acetaminophen (AC), epinephrine (EP), and melatonin (MT), best at working voltages of 0.35, 0.09 and 0.55V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. The linear ranges (and detection limits) are 6.5-135 (0.4) μmol L-1 for AC, 5-100 (0.7) μmol L-1 for EP, and 6.5-145 (3) μmol L-1 for MT. Graphical abstract A novel electrochemical sensor based on a modified carbon paste electrode with zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4) for the simultaneous detection of the acetaminophen, epinephrine and melatonin was fabricated.

Facile synthesis of the magnetic BiOCl/ZnFe2O4 heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation

The magnetic BiOCl/ZnFe2O4 heterostructures was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the new BiOCl/ZnFe2O4 composites exhibited wide absorption in the visible-light region. The heterostructures displayed exceptionally high photocatalytic activity (up to ∼99%) compared with pure BiOCl (only to 43%) and ZnFe2O4 NPs (only to 27%) for the degradation of penicillin G (PG) under visible-light irradiation. Moreover, good recyclability was also obtained from the BiOCl/ZnFe2O4 photocatalysis. Meanwhile, A possible photocatalytic mechanism based on the BiOCl/ZnFe2O4 heterostructures has been proposed.