Synthesis of porous iron oxide microspheres by a double hydrophilic block copolymer

Abstract

Porous microspheres of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) are synthesized using a double hydrophilic block copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PEO-b-PAA). The PAA block with negative charge strongly interacts with ferric ions. The assembly of primary nanoparticles at elevated temperature forms the porous microsphere of Fe₂O₃. The MTT assay of the microspheres based on HepG2 cell indicates good biocompatibility. The thorough porosity of microspheres can accommodate a large amount of anticancer drug cisplatin.