This paper introduces a novel and facile preparation method for creating polystyrene-based microspheres covered with micron-size silica particles-monolayers. The method is characterized by one-step suspension polymerization from a mixture of styrene and ethylenedimethacrylate containing mono-dispersed silica particles chemically modified by methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. It is also described that further functionalization can be readily done by usual addition reaction with the remaining vinyl group in silica particles. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.