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

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.