Preparation, characterization and MRI application of carboxymethyl dextran coated magnetic nanoparticles

► CM-dextran coated MNPs were prepared by a two-step method. ► CM-dextran coated MNPs showed superparamagnetism and were stable over the entire range of pH and NaCl concentration in water. ► CM-dextran coated MNPs exhibited excellent MRI property and could potentially be used as MRI contrast agents for magnetic resonance molecular imaging.