A simple method for the preparation of spherical core–shell nanomagnetic agarose particles

• Spherical and condensed core–shell nanomagnetic agarose particles were prepared.
• The synthesis is carried out in a single step.
• Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts, span 85 and cyclohexane were used for the synthesis.
• The prepared particles are suitable for separation and biomedical applications.

A new and simple method has been proposed for the preparation of spherical core–shell nanomagnetic agarose particles. The synthesis was carried out using a mixture of Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts solution, span 85 as surfactant and cyclohexane as organic solvent. The mixture was added dropwise in a vigorously stirring alkaline agarose solution heated to 60 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Different experimental parameters such as agitation method, agarose concentration, iron concentration, temperature and time on the quality of the prepared particles were carefully optimized. The prepared core–shell nanomagnetic Fe3O4@agarose particles were condensed and spherical and appropriate for the use in separation and biomedical applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopic imaging and differential scanning calorimetry were used for the characterization of the nanoparticles and study of their geometry.

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