Magnetic microcapsules based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Preparation, properties, and applications

Polymer microcapsules containing magnetic particles with strong magnetic response are called magnetic microcapsules. Nanoscale materials can be loaded and transported on demand using magnetic microcapsules. Because magnetic microcapsules can precisely manipulate the position of individual microcapsules by magnetic fields, resulting in more precise control of their specific location. Due to their small particle size, good stability and magnetism at room temperature, the magnetic microcapsules have been widely used in cell separation, targeted drug delivery, encapsulation, and other fields. This review focuses on the preparation and application of magnetic iron oxide-based microcapsules. Firstly, several preparation methods of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic microcapsules were introduced. Finally, the applications of magnetic microcapsules in various aspects are summarized. The review also provides prospects of magnetic microcapsules for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and controlled release in specific directions.