Preparation and biochemical and biomedical applications of new monosized polymer particles

The method for preparation of monodisperse polymer particles by activated swelling was first presented 12 years ago. Since then the principle of activated swelling has resulted in procedures for the production of a number of monodisperse systems with particle sizes and compositions that were unattainable by previous methods. It has also formed the basis for several new applications of polymer particles. A short review of the basic theoretical principles which have been used in the development of the new processes is given. Methods for preparation of monosized polymer particles are described, and the most important biochemical and biomedical applications of various types of particles, including magnetic particles, are given.