Synthesis and cellular uptake of scatteredly cyclic RGDfK-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

► Scatteredly cRGDfK-conjugated aggregation-free water-dispersible SPIONs were prepared. ► MR image, SPION uptake, and Prussian blue staining were tested. ► They showed higher uptake than control SPIONs and higher uptake to MS-1 than MCF-7 cells. ► The result indicates integrin αvβ3-mediated cellular uptake.