Microwave-assisted preparation of magnetic albumin microspheres

A new microwave-assisted method was used to prepare magnetic Fe3O4 particles and magnetic bovine albumin microspheres. The microwave method produced smaller particles and is faster than traditional methods. The optimum conditions to prepare the Fe3O4 particles were three minutes at pH 13 and 80 degrees C. Magnetic microspheres containing albumin were synthesized based on heating times and temperatures to form microspheres with different properties. For example, heating for 4 min, at 160 degrees C, yielded smaller sized microspheres (30 mm). Confirmed by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR that iron oxide particles were encapsulated in biocompatible proteins, The thermal stability of the microspheres were determined by DSC and TG. The magnetic properties were determined by UV-VIS spectraphotometry and a Guoy magnetic balance. This microwave process could become a preferred method for the synthesis of magnetized protein microspheres.