Polymer conjugates, methods of making polymer conjugates, and methods of using polymer conjugates

A method of making a polymer conjugate, comprising:

• providing a solution of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle has a coating, wherein the coating has the characteristic of providing stability for the magnetic nanoparticle in an aqueous solution;
• mixing the solution of magnetic nanoparticles with a solvent having a polymer dissolved in the solvent to form a homogeneous solution;
• mixing the homogeneous solution with a solution of water;
• and
• forming the polymer conjugates.

A method of separation, comprising:

• exposing a polymer conjugate to a mixture, wherein the polymer conjugate having a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer microparticle, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles have a coating, wherein the coating has the characteristic of providing stability for the magnetic nanoparticle in an aqueous solution, and wherein an agent attached to the surface of the polymer conjugate, wherein the agent has an affinity for a target, wherein the mixture optionally comprises the target;
• bonding the target to the agent of the polymer conjugate;
• and
• separating, magnetically, the polymer conjugate from the mixture.