Potential use of SERS-assisted theranostic strategy based on Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell nanocomposites for bio-detection, MRI, and magnetic hyperthermia

• We designed a SERS-assisted theranostic strategy based on the mutifunctional nanocomposites using gold shelled Fe3O4 clusters.
• Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles with theranostics and SERS for early diagnosis of PSA were reported for the first time.
• The LOD of detection for PSA was lowed as 0.75 ng mL− 1, and the total detection time was shorten to less than 1 h.
• Fe3O4 clusters had spin-spin (T2) contrast enhancement and increased magnetic response.
• Gold nanoshells supplied excellent chemical stability, biocompatibility, better heating property for magnetic hyperthermia.

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-assisted theranostic strategy was designed based on a synthesized multifunctional Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell nanocomposite. This theranostic strategy was used for free prostate specific antigen (free-PSA) detection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic hyperthermia. The lowest protein concentration detected was 1 ng mL− 1, and the limit of detection (LOD) of the calculated PSA was 0.75 ng mL− 1. Then, MRI was carried out to visualize the tumor cell. Lastly, magnetic hyperthermia was employed and revealed a favorable killing effect for the tumor cells. Thus, this SERS-assisted strategy based on a Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell nanocomposite showed great advantages in theranostic treatment.

Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell composite can be used for specific protein detection, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic hyperthermia therapy.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide