Precision synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles and their use as contrast agents

Abstract

The use of magnetic nanoparticles as contrast agents in biomedical applications requires highly reproducible markers soluble in aqueous media. Here we present a modular approach for the formation of a magnetic contrast agent, which is composed of an inorganic core like iron oxide and a water solubility mediating polymer shell. The shell can also be a carrier for specific affinity molecules like antibodies or peptides, which offer the possibility to selectively target surface receptors upon cells.