Effect of Chitosan on the Microstructural Properties of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles

• Published in: Macromolecular chemistry and physics Vol. 225; no. 6
• Main Authors: Aisida, Samson O., Gospel, Ezeakunne Chidozie, Alshoaibi, Adil, Okeudo, David, Ijah, Rufus, Ezema, Fabian I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Absorption spectra; Biocompatibility; Biomedical materials; Chemical composition; Chitosan; Coercivity; Composite materials; co‐precipitation; Fourier transforms; Functional groups; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; microstructural; Molecular structure; Nanoparticles; optical properties; Spectrum analysis; superparamagnetism; zinc ferrite; Zinc ferrites
• ISSN: 1022-1352; 1521-3935
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.202300375

This study presents the effect of chitosan on the properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles suitable for potential biomedical applications. The co‐precipitation method is employed to fabricate these bio‐composites that exhibit excellent microstructural properties. The X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis confirms the presence of a cubic spinel structure in the zinc ferrite‐chitosan bio‐composites, indicative of their crystalline nature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging revealed spherical particles with a size distribution below 100 nm, demonstrating the successful synthesis of homogenous nanosized particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis identifies the active functional groups within the bio‐composites, providing valuable insights into the molecular structure and interactions present in the synthesized materials. The presence of chitosan is confirmed, highlighting its role in modifying the chemical composition and enhancing the biocompatibility of the samples. UV–vis absorption spectra analysis reveals that the samples exhibits absorbance within the visible range. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis demonstrates the superparamagnetic behavior of the samples. Remarkably, these formulated samples exhibit superparamagnetism with zero coercivity and a magnetization of ≈0.0125 emu g−1 at 5 kOe when doped with chitosan. These properties are crucial for potential biomedical applications making it a promising candidate for various biomedical applications. The goal of this study is to create zinc ferrite‐chitosan biocomposites using the co‐precipitation method with an optimal annealing temperature to significantly enhance the physical and chemical properties of the formulated NPs with homogenous nanosizes of <100 nm suitable for biomedical applications.