Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Study of La_0.33Ca_0.67Mn_0.99Fe_0.01O₃ Functionalised for Antimicrobial Therapy

Abstract

The structural, morphological and magnetic properties of La0.33Ca0.67Mn0.99Fe0. 01O3 were studied using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM), and Superconductive Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). The sample was synthesized using sol gel method and sintered at 700, 800 and 900 °C. The crystallite size of the sample was influenced by the increase in the sintering temperature. There was no significant difference in magnetisation as sintering temperature increased from 700 °C to 800 °C, however, the magnetic properties of La0.33Ca0.67Mn0.99Fe0.01O3 reduced drastically from 12.15 emu/g to 8.13 emu/g as sintering temperature increased from 800 °C to 900 °C. The surface of La0.33Ca0.67Mn0.99Fe0.01O3 sintered at 900 °C was functionalised using ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate. The wavelength of the functionalised manganite was monitored using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometre. Antimicrobial properties of the complex formed was investigated against the bacteria and fungi strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger, the zones of inhibition were 20, 40, 26 and 45 mm, respectively.