OICC Press International Nano Letters 2228-5326 9 2 (June 2019) 2019 03 14 Sol–gel auto-combustion mediated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: a potential material for antimicrobial applications 10.1007/s40089-019-0268-4 EN Rashmi P. Sharma School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, MS, IN Department of Botany, DSM’S ACS, College, Parbhani, MS, IN Siddheshwar D. Raut Department of Physics, Dr, Bababsaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, MS, IN Ramjan M. Mulani School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, MS, IN Ambadas S. Kadam Department of Botany, DSM’S ACS, College, Parbhani, MS, IN Rajaram S. Mane School of Physical Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, MS, IN Journal Article 2019 03 14 Abstract In the era of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) of metals and metal oxides/chalcogenides are widely been used in medical applications where antibiotic-resistant microorganisms become a serious threat to the human health. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 ) NPs, synthesized by a simple and cost-effective sol–gel auto-combustion method are envisaged for in vitro antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria ( Bacillus subtilis; Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ). The structure, morphology, elemental analyses and surface area of CoFe 2 O 4 NPs are initially screened. The antimicrobial efficiency of CoFe 2 O 4 NPs is found to be optimum against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (15 mm). In addition, membrane leakage assays performed to evaluate the intracellular cytoplasmic leakage with CoFe 2 O 4 NPs demonstrate the ability to destroy the bacterial membrane integrity, confirming their antimicrobial potential.