It is shown here that magnetite nanoparticles can be associated with double-stranded DNA. In a first step, a complex of DNA with Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions is formed. + Then, in a second step, magnetite nanoparticles are formed by increasing the pH. As shown by electrophoresis, the nanoparticles are strongly attached to the nucleic acid. From TEM imaging and Mossbauer measurement, a tentative model for the textural organization of DNA and magnetite is proposed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.