We present the preparation of 11 nm polyacrylamide-stabilized polystyrene latex particles for conjugation to a microRNA model by surfactant-free RAFT emulsion polymerization. Our synthetic strategy involved the preparation of amphiphilic polyacrylamide-block-polystyrene copolymers, which were able to self-assemble into polymeric micelles and grow into polystyrene latex particles. The surface of these sterically stabilized particles was postmodified with a disulfide-bearing linker for the attachment of the microRNA model, which can be released from the latex particles under reducing conditions. These nanoparticles offer the advantage of ease of preparation via a scaleable process, and the versatility of their synthesis makes them adaptable to a range of applications.