Cobalt iron oxide nanorods with multi functions: solvothermal synthesis and characterizations as potent antimicrobial agent and photocatalyst

The escalating concerns over microbial infections and environmental pollution necessitate the exploration of advanced materials that can effectively address both issues. In this research paper, the microwave-assisted solvothermal method was used to synthesize multifunctional hybrid materials based on cobalt-iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanorods. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyze the physicochemical properties of the nanomaterial. SEM analysis revealed rod-shaped crystals with an average particle size of 40 nm, while XRD confirmed crystalline nature of cobalt-iron oxide nanoparticles (CIO NRs). The prepared CIO nanorods showed promising antibacterial activity (p < 0.0001) against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibiting a notable zone of inhibition measuring 25 mm. Furthermore, they displayed significant (p < 0.001) antifungal properties inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus flavus (18 mm), Aspergillus niger (23 mm) and Candida albicans (25 mm). Moreover, the CoFe2O4 nanorods inhibited 90 % biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on human teeth, highlighting their potential utility in clinical contexts. Furthermore, CoFe2O4 NRs demonstrated significant efficacy in degrading methylene blue (MB) 96 %, malachite green (MG) 95 %, and methyl orange (MO) 98 % dyes under sunlight irradiation conditions. Together, these findings emphasize the versatility of CIONRs that could add significant value to their applicability in medicine as a solution for diverse microbial infections and water treatment technologies.