Synthesis of polymethyl methacrylate microspheres in the presence of dextran and its derivatives

Emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by a carboxyl-cont aining azo initiator in the presence of a polymeric stabilizer (dextran or its functionalized derivatives) was studied with the aim to prepare monodis perse microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate with surface carboxy, amido, and aldehyde groups, The optimal conditions for formation of monodisperse m icrospheres were found, allowing control of their diameter in the submicrom eter range and of the nature and content of surface functional groups.