Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle–Aptamer Bioconjugates for Combined Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Multifunctional superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Herein we report a novel, targeted, iron oxide nanoparticle for combined prostate cancer imaging and therapy. By conjugating an aptamer to a thermally stable iron oxide nanoparticle, we have demonstrated that bioconjugates can detect prostate cancer cells with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the bioconjugates can be used to deliver targeted chemotherapy.