Formation of multifunctional Fe 3 O 4 /Au composite nanoparticles for dual-mode MR/CT imaging applications

Recent advances with iron oxide/gold (Fe3O4/Au) composite nanoparticles (CNPs) in dual-modality magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging applications are reviewed. The synthesis and assembly of "dumbbelllike" and "core/shell" Fe3O4/Au CNPs is introduced. Potential applications of some developed Fe3O4/Au CNPs as contrast agents for dual-mode MR/CT imaging applications are described in detail.