Magnetic and Optical Characterization of Cobalt Ferrite–Barium Titanate Core–Shell for Biomedical Applications

Strain-mediated magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENs), cobalt ferrite–barium titanate (CoFe
₂
O
₄
–BaTiO
₃
) core–shell has shown potential application in targeted drug delivery. The generation of magnetic field via orthogonal Helmholtz coils induces the magnetic flux on the core–shell nanoparticle. The corresponding torque accounts for the navigation of the MENs to target site. The strong coupling between magnetostrictive and piezoelectric core–shell, using ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials allows scope for wireless control and the generated electric pulses contribute to particle-cell, bio-electromagnetic interaction. The field-frequency relation and the corresponding magnetoelectric effect are reviewed. Optical absorption properties of 30 and 50 nm cobalt ferrite were analyzed using multispectral optoacoustic tomographic imaging system. This gives information about surface grafting coefficient. Similarly, optical properties of CoFe
₂
O
₄
–BaTiO
₃
core–shell synthesized by sol–gel method were analyzed. The damped photoacoustic signal is attributed to the increased resistivity of the acoustic waves as it propagates to BaTiO
₃
shell. These magnetic and optical property analyses allow scope for engineering clinical applications.