Multifunctional Uniform Nanoparticles Composed of a Magnetite Nanocrystal Core and a Mesoporous Silica Shell for Magnetic Resonance and Fluorescence Imaging and for Drug Delivery

Magnetic, fluorescent core–shell nanoparticles consist of a single Fe3O4 nanocrystal core and a dye-doped mesoporous silica shell with a poly(ethylene glycol) coating (see picture of TEM images and schematic depictions). These nanoparticles can be used as magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging agents, and as drug delivery vehicles, thus making them novel candidates for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy.