Synthesis and characterization of magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres

Magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres were prepared and their detailed structural and magnetic characteristics given. Iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained by chemical coprecipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts and stabilized with dextran, (carboxymethyl)dextran or tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The microspheres were prepared by emulsion or dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate in the presence of ferrofluid. The microspheres were uniform both in shape and usually also in size; their size distribution was narrow. All the magnetic parameters confirm superparamagnetic nature of the microspheres. Blocking temperature was not observed, suggesting the absence of magnetic interactions at low temperatures. This is most probably caused by complete encapsulation and the absence of agglomeration. Such microspheres can be used in biomedical applications.