Iridium-complex-functionalized Fe3O4/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles:: A facile three-in-one system in magnetic resonance imaging, luminescence imaging, and photodynamic therapy

Highly uniform Fe3O4/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles functionalized by phosphorescent iridium complexes (Ir) have been strategically designed and synthesized. The Fe3O4/SiO2(Ir) nanocomposite demonstrates its versatility in various applications: the magnetic core provides the capability for magnetic resonance imaging and the great enhancement of the spinorbit coupling in the iridium complex makes it well suited for phosphorescent labeling and simultaneous singlet oxygen generation to induce apoptosis.