Synthesis and cellular compatibility of Co-doped ZnO particles in silk-fibroin peptides

► Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) coated with silk-fibroin (SF) are successfully prepared via a biomineralization process. ► Co-doped ZnO particles possessed the good ferromagnetic property. ► Co-doped ZnO particles with SF had good cellular compatibility via L929 cell test due to SF coating onto the NP surfaces.