Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible multifunctional potassium ferrite nanoparticles for its varied applications

The current study reports on the shape, size distribution, structure, magnetic properties, and biocompatibility of potassium ferrite nanoparticles (KFeO₂ NPs), which were produced using the traditional sol–gel method. The development of spherical nanoparticles with an orthorhombic structure has been verified using X-ray diffraction and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. According to transmission electron microscopy, the particles have a size of about 30 nm. The production of metal (Fe, K) bonds was demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The optical analysis shows that the KFeO₂ nanoparticles' bandgap is 1.88 eV, which is within the visible spectrum. Further Photoluminescent properties were investigated and showed strong luminescence in 600 nm range thus confirming oxygen deficient property. The synthesized KFeO₂ NPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior, with a saturation magnetization of 22.12 emu/g, according to the vibrating sample magnetometer examination. Furthermore, as determined by MTT and BrdU assays, the observed in vitro cytotoxicity and lymphoproliferative effects appeared to be biocompatible and concentration-dependent. The MTT assay was used in an in vitro cytotoxicity test which demonstrated the biocompatibility of KFeO₂ NPs at 100 mg/mL of particle concentration. The findings of the current study suggest that potassium ferrite magnetic nanomaterials, which have better optical qualities and less coercivity in optoelectronic instruments, could be used in transformer cores. They can also be used as iron-oxide-based nanomaterials for applications in the health and medical science sectors.