Controlling the thickness of polymeric shell on magnetic nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin for targeted delivery and MRI contrast agent

► To address efficacy issues of cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, we have synthesized a magnetic nanoparticle based drug delivery systems. ► The magnetic core with polymeric shell nanoparticles with a uniform particle diameter was synthesized. ► The inner magnetic core endues the nanoparticle with magnetic properties, while the outer polymeric shell carries the therapeutic agent. ► The combined drug delivery and imaging properties that can be potentially used in image-guided anticancer drug therapy.