Nanoparticle gold and gold-platinum catalysts supported on magnetite particles were used in the aerobic glycerol oxidation. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed an icosahedral morphology of the gold catalyst and a flower-like structure for the gold-platinum catalyst. Dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed a mean diameter of 30nm for both catalysts. This particle size was relatively stable for more than one month. The catalysts were easily recoverable from the reaction medium by means of magnetic force. No metal leaching was observed and the successfully reused catalysts showed only slight alteration.