A simple chemical method to synthesize PMAA coated maghemite nanoparticles is described. Monomer methacrylic acid molecules were absorbed onto the synthesized ferrimagnetic nanoparticles followed by polymerization. The carboxylic group of PMAA coating allowed surface immobilization of foreign molecules. An anti-cancer drug was successfully adsorbed onto the PMAA coated maghemite nanoparticles for potential targeted drug delivery.Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)