Preparation and characterization of magnetic fluorescent microspheres for delivery of kaempferol

This study focused on the preparation and characterization of magnetic fluorescent microspheres (MFMs) for delivery of kaempferol. Magnetic microspheres were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of Fe3O4 ferrofluids and kaempferol, and then, the microspheres were modified with amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots through chemically bonding. The properties of as-obtained MFMs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrum, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibration sample magnetometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. It was found that the superparamagnetic microspheres had ultrafine size (below 120 nm), high saturation magnetization of 32.48 emu/g, and significant fluorescence. Then, MFMs were used as a carrier to delivery of kaempferol, and the results indicated that they had a favourable release property for kaempferol. Finally, by incorporating the MFMs with Hela cells, they could efficiently induce inhibitory effect on Hela cells.