Transmittance Measurements in Non-alternating Magnetic Field as Reliable Method for Determining of Heating Properties of Phosphate and Phosphonate Coated Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles

Different phosphates and phosphonates have shown excellent coating ability toward magnetic nanoparticles, improving their stability and biocompatibility which enables their biomedical application. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of phosphates (IDP and IHP) and phosphonates (MDP and HEDP) coated Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were evaluated in an alternating magnetic field. For a deeper understanding of hyperthermia, the behavior of investigated MNPs in the non-alternating magnetic field was monitored by measuring the transparency of the sample. To investigate their theranostic potential coated Fe₃O₄-MNPs were radiolabeled with radionuclide ¹⁷⁷Lu. Phosphate coated MNPs were radiolabeled in high radiolabeling yield (>?99%) while phosphonate coated MNPs reached maximum radiolabeling yield of 78%. Regardless lower radiolabeling yield both radiolabeled phosphonate MNPs may be further purified reaching radiochemical purity of more than 95%. In vitro stabile radiolabeled nanoparticles in saline and HSA were obtained. The high heating ability of phosphates and phosphonates coated MNPs as sine qua non for efficient in vivo hyperthermia treatment and satisfactory radiolabeling yield justifies their further research in order to develop new theranostic agents.

     

Multifunctional liposomal drug delivery with dual probes of magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging

Many liposomal drug carriers have shown great promise in the clinic. To ensure the efficient preclinical development of drug-loaded liposomes, the drug retention and circulation properties of these systems should be characterized. Iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are used as T2 contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gold nanoclusters (GNCs) contain tens of atoms with subnanometer dimensions; they have very low cytotoxicity and possess superb red emitting fluorescent properties, which prevents in vivo background autofluorescence. The aim of this study was to develop dual imaging, nanocomposite, multifunctional liposome drug carriers (Fe₃O₄-GNCs) comprising MNPs of iron oxide and GNCs. First, MNPs of iron oxide were synthesized by co-precipitation. The MNP surfaces were modified with amine groups using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Second, GNCs were synthesized by reducing HAuCl₄·3H₂O with NaBH4 in the presence of lipoic acid (as a stabilizer and nanosynthetic template). The GNCs were grown by adsorption onto particles to control the size and stability of the resultant colloids. Subsequently, dual Fe₃O₄-GNCs imaging probes were fabricated by conjugating the iron oxide MNPs with the GNCs via amide bonds. Finally, liposome nanocarriers were used to enclose the Fe₃O₄-GNCs in an inner phase (liposome@Fe₃O₄-GNCs) by reverse phase evaporation. These nanocarriers were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). These multifunctional liposomal drug delivery systems with dual probes are expected to prove useful in preclinical trials for cancer diagnosis and therapy.     

Cytotoxic effects and the mechanism of three types of magnetic nanoparticles on human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells

The evaluation of the toxicity of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has attracted much attention in recent years. The current study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Fe₃O₄, oleic acid-coated Fe₃O₄ (OA-Fe₃O₄), and carbon-coated Fe (C-Fe) nanoparticles on human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells and the mechanisms. WST-1 assay demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of three types of MNPs was in a dose-dependent manner. G1 (Fe₃O₄ and OA-Fe₃O₄) phase and G2 (C-Fe) phase cell arrests and apoptosis induced by MNPs were detected by flow cytometry analysis. The increase in apoptosis was accompanied with the Bax over-expression, mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, and the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria into cytosol. Moreover, apoptosis was further confirmed by morphological and biochemical hallmarks, such as swollen mitochondria with lysing cristae and caspase-3 activation. Our results revealed that certain concentrations of the three types of MNPs affect BEL-7402 cells viability via cell arrest and inducing apoptosis, and the MNPs-induced apoptosis is mediated through the mitochondrial-dependent pathway. The influence potency of MNPs observed in all experiments would be: C-Fe > Fe₃O₄ > OA-Fe₃O₄.     

Novel polyurethane rigid foam/organically modified iron oxide nanocomposites

Magnetic polyurethane rigid foam nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporation of surface functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and Fe₃O₄@APTS were synthesized via co‐precipitation and sol–gel methods, respectively. The main purpose of the surface modification of MNPs was the formation of hydrogen bond between amino groups of Fe₃O₄@APTS with the urethane groups to improve magnetic and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The effect of different amounts of Fe₃O₄@APTS on the thermal and magnetic behavior of resultant nanocomposite was investigated and the optimum percentage of nanostructure in foam formulation was defined. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:877–883, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Chemical Synthesis of Monodisperse Magnetic Nanoparticles for Sensitive Cancer Detection

This short tutorial review highlights the advance in high temperature solution phase chemical synthesis of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide NPs, as contrast enhancement agents for cancer detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It introduces briefly the unique nanomagnetism of MNPs required for MRI. It then summarizes some typical methods used to prepare monodisperse Fe₃O₄ and ferrite MFe₂O₄ MNPs from high temperature organic phase reaction with controlled magnetic properties. It further outlines the chemistry used to make these MNPs biocompatible and target-specific. Finally it presents two examples to demonstrate the MNP control achieved from chemical synthesis for sensitive detection of cancer.     

Modification of Magnetite Cellulose Nanoparticles via Click Reaction for use in Controlled Drug Delivery

Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) were functionalized by modified cellulose. The modified cellulose was synthesized through bromoacetylation of cellulose (BACell) followed by the substitution of sodium azide to form BACell-N₃. The remaining methylene bromide groups on BACell-N₃ was further reacted with the MNPs to form Fe₃O₄/Cell-N₃. Then propargyl alcohol (PA) was immobilized on the azide-terminated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles through copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (click reaction) to form Fe₃O₄/Cell/TAA nanoparticles. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded on prepared nanoparticles and release profiles of the DOX as a model drug from the Fe₃O₄/Cell/TAA nanoparticles and its loading capacity were determined by UV–Vis absorption at λ_max 483?nm.     

In-situ grown Ag on magnetic halloysite nanotubes in scaffolds: Antibacterial,biocompatibility and mechanical properties

A novel design of antibacterial and magnetic halloysite nanotubes loaded with Ag and Fe₃O₄ was reported. In detail, magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) were immobilized on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) via electrostatic adsorption (termed as HNTs/Fe₃O₄). The magnetic HNTs/Fe₃O₄ was then modified by polydopamine to in-situ grow Ag nanoparticles by a redox reaction, forming a composite nanostructure of HNTs/Fe₃O₄@Ag. The HNTs/Fe₃O₄@Ag was incorporated into poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold fabricated via selective laser sintering, with the intent to endow the scaffold with robust antibacterial function and favorable cell activity. The results showed that the released Ag⁺ from the scaffold significantly against E. coli activity, with bacterial inhibition rate above 99%. Moreover, ion release behavior showed a scaffold enable to sustain release Ag⁺ over 28 days. Furthermore, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles constructed magnetic microenvironment greatly enhanced cell activity and promoted cell proliferation. In addition, tensile strength of the scaffold increased by 52.9% compared with PLLA scaffold. These positive results suggested that the HNTs/Fe₃O₄@Ag nanostructure possessed potential in facilitating bone repair.     

Biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/Fe3O4 nanocomposites

A novel biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(?‐caprolactone) nanocomposites, which were crosslinked with functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), were synthesized via in situ polymerization method. Fe₃O₄ MNPs pretreated with γ‐(methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) were used as crosslinking agents. Because of the crosslinking of functionalized Fe₃O₄ MNPs with poly(?‐caprolactone) prepolymer, the properties of the nanocomposites with different content of functionalized Fe₃O₄ MNPs, especially the mechanical properties, were significantly improved. The nanocomposites also showed excellent shape memory properties in both 60 °C hot water and alternating magnetic field (f = 60, 90 kHz, H = 38.7, 59.8 kA m^?1). In hot water bath, all the samples had shape recovery rate (R_r) higher than 98% and shape fixed rate (R_f) nearly 100%. In alternating magnetic field, the R_r of composites was over 85% with the highest at 95.3%. In addition, the nanocomposites also have good biodegradability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45652.     

Interforce initiated by magnetic nanoparticles for reducing internal concentration polarization in CTA forward osmosis membrane

The interforce between the magnetic composite forward osmosis (FO) membranes and the magnetic draw solution was proposed to reduce the internal concentration polarization (ICP) of FO process, and realized the synergetic permeability improvement of resultant FO membranes. The key factor was the successful fabrication of the Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with small‐size and narrow distribution via co‐precipitation method. The cellulose triacetate (CTA) magnetic composite FO membranes were fabricated using Fe₃O₄ as additive via in situ interfacial polymerization, and named CTA‐Fe₃O₄. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta results showed that the coated sodium oleate on the MNPs explained their reducing aggregation and the stability of various pHs. The MNPs' surface segregation during demixing process resulted in the improvement of hydrophilicity, Fe content and roughness of resultant CTA‐Fe₃O₄ composite FO membranes. Furthermore, the in situ interfacial polymerization resulted in the formation of the polyamide selective layer, and the CTA‐Fe₃O₄ membrane's N content was 11.02% to 11.12%. The permeability properties (FO and pressure retarded osmosis modules) were characterized using 1.0M NaCl and 100 mg/L Fe₃O₄ as draw solutions, respectively. The results indicated that the higher concentration of MNPs supplied more interforce and better FO permeability properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44852.     

Electromagnetic properties of electrospun Fe3O4/carbon composite nanofibers

In order to develop multifunctional nanofibers, the electrical conductivity and magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄/carbon composite nanofibers have been examined. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is used as a matrix to produce magnetic composite nanofibers containing different amounts of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles. Electrospun composite nanofibers were thermally treated to produce electrically conductive and magnetically permeable composite carbon nanofibers. The composite nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, four-point probe and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). Uniform nanofibers were obtained with successful transferring of magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ into the as-spun composite nanofibers. The electromagnetic properties were tuned by adjusting the amount of Fe₃O₄ in the matrix and carbonization process. The electrical conductivity, magnetic moment and also magnetic hysteresis rise up by adding Fe₃O₄ and increasing carbonization temperature. The high surface area provided by the ultrafine fibrous structures, the flexibility and tuneable electromagnetic properties are expected to enable the expansion of the design options for a wide rage of electronic devices.     

Synthesis of magnetic citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide and its application in the removal of methylene blue from contaminated water

A magnetic nanocomposite of citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide was prepared by an easy method. First, citric acid (CA) was covalently attached to acyl‐chloride‐functionalized graphene oxide (GO). Then, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were chemically deposited onto the resulting adsorbent. CA, as a good stabilizer for MNPs, was covalently attached to the GO; thus MNPs were adsorbed much more strongly to this framework and subsequent leaching decreased and less agglomeration occurred. The attachment of CA onto GO and the formation of the hybrid were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The specific saturation magnetization of the magnetic CA‐grafted GO (GO‐CA‐Fe₃O₄) was 57.8 emu g^?1 and the average size of the nanoparticles was found to be 25 nm by transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic nanocomposite was employed as an adsorbent of methylene blue from contaminated water. The adsorption tests demonstrated that it took only 30 min to attain equilibrium. The adsorption capacity in the concentration range studied was 112 mg g^?1. The GO‐CA‐Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was easily manipulated in an external magnetic field which eases the separation and leads to the removal of dyes. Thus the prepared nanocomposite has great potential in removing organic dyes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Polyethylene glycol grafting and attachment of encapsulated magnetic iron oxide silica nanoparticles onto chlorosilanized single-wall carbon nanotubes

It is demonstrated that functionalization of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be carried out using simple chlorosilane chemistry, which allows coupling of the SWCNTs with external chemical species. As a result, organic polymers and magnetically iron oxide-in-silica nanoparticles are specifically bonded onto SWCNTs. It is also found that the SWCNTs functionalized with long PEG chains greatly enhance dispersion of the carbon structure in water. Furthermore, the SWCNT-COO-Si(Fe₃O₄@SiO₂) can be quickly separated and redispersed from their aqueous colloid with the application of external magnetic field.     

Continuous preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles combined with surface modification by L-cysteine and their application in heavy metal adsorption

L-cysteine functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Cys–Fe₃O₄ MNPs) were continuously fabricated by a simple high-gravity reactive precipitation method combined with surface modification through a novel impinging stream-rotating packed bed with the assistance of sonication. The obtained Cys–Fe₃O₄ MNPs was characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, TGA and VSM, and further used for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. The influence of pH values, contact time and initial metal concentration on the adsorption efficiency were investigated. The results revealed that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) were pH dependent process, and the pH 6.0 was found to be optimum condition. Moreover, the adsorption kinetic for Cys–Fe₃O₄ MNPs followed the mechanism of the pseudo-second order kinetic model, and their equilibrium data were fitted with the Langmuir isothermal model well. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from Langmuir equation were 183.5 and 64.35 mg g⁻¹ for Pb(II) and Cd(II) at pH 6.0, respectively. Furthermore, the adsorption and regeneration experiment showed there was about 10% loss in the adsorption capacity of the as-prepared Cys–Fe₃O₄ MNPs for heavy metal ions after 5 times reuse. All the above results provided a potential method for continuously preparing recyclable adsorbent applied in removing toxic metal ions from wastewater through the technology of process intensification.     

Synthesis of MIL-Modified Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhancing Uptake and Efficiency of Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Treatment

A nanometric hybrid system consisting of a Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles modified through the growth of Fe-based Metal-organic frameworks of the MIL (Materials Institute Lavoiser) was developed. The obtained system retains both the nanometer dimensions and the magnetic properties of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and possesses increased the loading capability due to the highly porous Fe-MIL. It was tested to load, carry and release temozolomide (TMZ) for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme one of the most aggressive and deadly human cancers. The chemical characterization of the hybrid system was performed through various complementary techniques: X-ray-diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The nanomaterial showed low toxicity and an increased adsorption capacity compared to bare Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). It can load about 12 mg/g of TMZ and carry the drug into A172 cells without degradation. Our experimental data confirm that, after 48 h of treatment, the TMZ-loaded hybrid nanoparticles (15 and 20 μg/mL) suppressed human glioblastoma cell viability much more effectively than the free drug. Finally, we found that the internalization of the MIL-modified system is more evident than bare MNPs at all the used concentrations both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus suggesting that it can be capable of overcoming the blood-brain barrier and targeting brain tumors. In conclusion, these results indicate that this combined nanoparticle represents a highly promising drug delivery system for TMZ targeting into cancer cells.     

Preparation, characterization and application of bilayer surfactant-stabilized ferrofluids

Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by the coprecipitation of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ using ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) as precipitating agent. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) showed that the particle-size is around 10 nm. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) indicated the sole existence of inverse cubic spinel phase of Fe₃O₄. The surface of MNPs was coated with oleate sodium as the primary layer and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG-4000) as the secondary layer to improve the stability of water-based ferrofluids (FFs). The dosages of oleate sodium and PEG-4000 were found to have an important effect on increasing the solid content. Gouy magnetic balance showed that the saturation magnetization could be as high as 1.44 × 10⁵ A/m. Laser particle-size analyzer determined the aggregate size in FFs. The Fe₃O₄ MNPs did not change through the preparation of FFs. Differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry (DSC-TG) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis showed existence of two distinct surfactants on the particle surface. The concentrated and diluted FFs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer and excellent stability was found. The rheological measurements indicated that viscosity increased with the increase of solid content and applied magnetic field, but decreased with the increase of temperature. The FFs showed the non-Newtonian behavior of shear-thinning when the solid content was high. The mechanical properties of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) thin film can be greatly improved by adding FFs.     

Electrospun magnetic carbon composite fibers: Synthesis and electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based carbon composite fibers embedded with magnetic nanoparticles have been developed as materials for electromagnetic wave absorption. The nanocomposite fibers were prepared by electrospinning from a dispersion of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles stabilized by L ‐glutamic acid in a solution of PAN and N, N‐dimethyl formamide. The Fe₃O₄‐embedded PAN nanofibers were stabilized at 270°C in air and carbonized at 800°C in nitrogen. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were crystalline with a particle size of about 7 nm, most of which was reduced to Fe₃C with agglomerates of up to 50 nm diameter in the carbon fibers. The carbon morphology was mostly disordered, but exhibited a layered graphitic structure in the vicinity of the nanoparticles. The carbon composite fiber exhibited ferromagnetic behavior, and the induced magnetic saturation per unit mass of fibers increased with increasing Fe₃O₄ content in the precursor. The complex relative dielectric permittivity was tuned by adjusting the amount of Fe₃O₄ in the carbon fiber precursor. With increasing Fe₃O₄ content, good electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics were observed below 6 GHz, even for samples with fiber loadings as low as 5 wt %. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Magnetic Hydroxyapatite for Removal of Heavy Metals from Groundwater

A simple, fast, and economic methodology to fabricate a highly efficient superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (MHAP) was successfully developed. Hydroxyapatite was functionalized with magnetite nanoparticles through coprecipitation‐assisted microwave processes to improve the magnetic properties. The synthesized magnetic hybrid adsorbent matrix was investigated by different methods. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated a good impregnation of Fe₃O₄ on the hydroxyapatite matrix with uniform morphology. Magnetic hysteresis measurement revealed that MHAP nanocomposites exhibit excellent strong, soft‐magnetic properties. The synergistic effect was an evidence for iron and manganese ion removal, enlightening their potentialities in treatment of polluted ground water.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel thermally stable water dispersible polyurethane and its magnetic nanocomposites

In this work, a novel water dispersible polyurethane (WDPU) was synthesized from the reaction of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 2,2 bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid (DMPA), and 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI) and its magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by incorporation of modified Fe₃O₄ by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (Fe₃O₄@APTS) nanoparticles (0.5, 1.5, and 3 wt%) via in situ polymerization method. Use of NDI as a high melting point diisocyanate by having the rigid naphthalene structure imparts physical strength as well as thermal stability to the resulted polyurethane. The synthesized WDPU based on NDI was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. In addition, the morphology, mechanical, and magnetic features of the prepared polyurethane nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) methods, respectively. Data from DLS experiment showed that the average particles size of the WDPU nanocomposites increased by increasing the nanoparticle contents in comparison with bare WDPU. AFM and MFM analyses indicated that the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were well dispersed in the polyurethane matrices via the formation of covalent bonding between the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and polymer chains. TGA results demonstrated that adding MNPs increased the temperature of the thermal degradation of the polyurethane nanocomposite. VSM analysis showed that the super paramagnetic behavior of the prepared nanocomposites depended on the Fe₃O₄@APTS nanoparticle content, as well.     

Facile synthesis of folate-conjugated magnetic/fluorescent bifunctional microspheres

In this paper, we investigated the functional imaging properties of magnetic microspheres composed of magnetic core and CdTe quantum dots in the silica shell functionalized with folic acid (FA). The preparation procedure included the preparation of chitosan-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (CS-coated Fe₃O₄ NPs) prepared by a one-pot solvothermal method, the reaction between carboxylic and amino groups under activation of NHS and EDC in order to obtain the CdTe-CS-coated Fe₃O₄ NPs, and finally the growth of SiO₂ shell vent the photoluminescence (PL) quenching via a Stöber method (Fe₃O₄-CdTe@SiO₂). Moreover, in order to have a specific targeting capacity, the magnetic and fluorescent bifunctional microspheres were synthesized by bonding of SiO₂ shell with FA molecules via amide reaction (Fe₃O₄-CdTe@SiO₂-FA). The morphology, size, chemical components, and magnetic property of as-prepared composite nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The results show that the magnetic and fluorescent bifunctional microspheres have strong luminescent which will be employed for immuno-labeling and fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells.     

Porous Fe3O4/C microspheres for efficient broadband electromagnetic wave absorption

Porous Fe₃O₄/C microspheres, which were Fe₃O₄ nanocrystals (～8?nm) embedded in an open nanostructured carbon network, were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process. The porous Fe₃O₄/C microspheres possessed many distinct attributes that facilitate efficient broadband electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA). EMWs were attenuated through multiple reflections and absorption in the 3D interconnected porous structure of the microspheres; these processes collectively improved the interaction between the EMWs and the absorber. Additionally, the carbon network and embedded Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles caused significant dielectric losses and magnetic losses, respectively, which also enhanced EMWA. The EMWA characteristics of the microspheres could be precisely tuned via changing the carbon content to achieve optimized impedance matching. Porous Fe₃O₄/C microspheres with a 71.5?wt% carbon content displayed particularly impressive EMWA properties: a maximum reflection loss (RL) value of ??31.75 across broad band frequencies in the range of 7.76–12.88?GHz (RL < ?10?dB) at an absorber thickness of 3.0?mm. These excellent EMWA properties may be attributed to both dielectric loss (carbon) and magnetic loss (Fe₃O₄). Additionally, the 3D interconnected porous structure of the Fe₃O₄/C microspheres is especially favorable for impedance matching.