Stability of biomimetic ferrofluids established by a systematic study using microwave irradiation at defined wattages

► Single step biomimetic synthesis of aqueous ferrofluids. ► Role of polyvinyl alcohol as a surfactant and as a template for nucleation and growth of iron oxide nanoparticles. ► Heat treatment by microwave irradiation in a systematic and periodic manner. ► High colloidal stability. ► Increase in saturation magnetization with increasing wattage.