High Magnetic Microsphere

Updated: 2026-09-16

Overview

High Magnetic Microspheres are advanced functional materials composed of magnetic cores, often made of iron oxides like magnetite or maghemite, encapsulated in a polymer or silica shell. These microspheres exhibit strong magnetic responsiveness, allowing for easy separation under an external magnetic field. Their uniform size distribution, typically ranging from 100 nm to 10 µm, makes them highly versatile for various industrial and scientific applications. Developed initially for biomedical uses, High Magnetic Microspheres have expanded into environmental and catalytic applications due to their tunable surface chemistry and robust magnetic properties. The ability to functionalize their surfaces with specific ligands or biomolecules has further enhanced their utility in targeted applications.

Physical and Chemical Properties

High Magnetic Microspheres are characterized by their high saturation magnetization, typically ranging from 20 to 80 emu/g, which ensures rapid and efficient magnetic separation. The magnetic core is usually composed of iron oxide nanoparticles, while the shell material can vary from polymers like polystyrene to inorganic coatings like silica. This combination provides stability against aggregation and chemical degradation. The surface of these microspheres can be modified with carboxyl, amino, or hydroxyl groups, enabling covalent attachment of biomolecules or other functional moieties. Their density ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 g/cm³, and they are insoluble in water and most organic solvents, ensuring stability in diverse environments.

Main Applications

In the biomedical field, High Magnetic Microspheres are extensively used for cell separation, protein purification, and nucleic acid extraction. Their ability to bind specific biomolecules under a magnetic field simplifies complex separation processes. In diagnostics, they serve as carriers for immunoassays and biosensors, enhancing detection sensitivity and specificity. Environmental applications include wastewater treatment, where microspheres functionalized with chelating agents remove heavy metals or organic pollutants. In catalysis, they act as magnetically recoverable catalysts, enabling easy separation and reuse. Their versatility also extends to food safety testing and forensic analysis.

Safety and Storage

High Magnetic Microspheres are generally considered safe for laboratory and industrial use, but precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation of dry powder or prolonged skin contact. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, is recommended when handling these materials. Storage conditions are critical to maintaining their performance. They should be kept in a dry, cool environment, preferably at room temperature, and away from strong magnetic fields to prevent aggregation. For functionalized microspheres, specific storage buffers or conditions may be required to preserve surface properties.

B2B Procurement Guide

When procuring High Magnetic Microspheres, key specifications to consider include particle size, magnetic saturation, surface functional groups, and uniformity. Particle size affects separation efficiency and binding capacity, while magnetic saturation determines responsiveness to external fields. Surface functionalization should align with the intended application, such as carboxyl groups for protein conjugation or silica coatings for chemical stability. Suppliers often provide bulk pricing for industrial quantities, with prices ranging from approximately $50 to $500 per gram depending on purity and customization. It is advisable to request samples for performance testing before large-scale procurement. Lead times may vary based on customization requirements.