Effect of sonochemically synthesized Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4DyxFe2-xO4 nanospinel ferrites on human colorectal carcinoma and human embryonic kidney cells

•Dysprosium-substituted nickel-copper-zinc ferrite Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4DyxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.10) nanospinel ferrites (NSFs) were synthesized by a sonochemical sol–gel method.•NSFs display a microporous structure with pore sizes between 3.0 nm and 4.0 nm and their surface area decreased (247 to 201 m2/g) as the Dy ratio increased.•Inhibitory concentration values of NSFs were between 145 µg/ml to 408 µg/ml for HCT-116 human colorectal carcinoma cells.•A noteworthy reduction in the cell viability after the treatments of cells with NSFs was detected.•NSFs-treated cells showed nuclear disintegration, and chromatic fragmentation which are signs for the apoptosis of HCT-116 cells.