Formation of multifunctional Fe₃O₄/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 “dumbbell-like” 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.