Optimizing the Adapted Sol-Gel Method Parameters for Enhanced Crystallite Size, Structural, Magnetic Properties, and Cellular Viability of Cofe2o4 Nanoparticles

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4) were synthesized using an adapted sol-gel method, and the effects of varying the metal:PVA monomeric unit ratio (1:6, 1:12, and 1:18) on the structural properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. The spinel crystalline structure remained unchanged, but the ratio changes affected the average crystallite size. The impact of the polymeric average molar weight and hydrolysis degree of the PVA used was also evaluated for the 1:12 ratio. Although there was no significant difference in nanoparticle morphology, the average crystallite size decreased as the polymeric average molar weight of PVA increased, along with a decrease in its hydrolysis degree. Prussian Blue staining confirmed the internalization of the nanoparticles in HepG2 and BHK cells, and the MTT assay showed high cell viability, suggesting that these particles are a promising candidate for therapy. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and their potential for biomedical applications.