By exploring the layer-by-layer self-assembly method and the changes of content of graphene oxide (GO), controllable preparation of a new core–shell microsphere Fe 3 O 4 @MOFs/GO was achieved in this work. The prepared composite material was characterized by the XRD, FTIR, and TEM analysis. The application of Fe 3 O 4 @MOFs/GO as drug carrier for ibuprofen was studied. The results suggested that the properties of drug loading and release can be tuned by different layers and content of GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]