We report synthesis of a highly versatile multicomponent nanosystem by covalently decorating the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by magnetite nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 ), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and fluorophore fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The resulting Fe 3 O 4 -PEG-FITC-CNT nanosystem demonstrates high dispersion ability in an aqueous medium, magnetic responsiveness, and fluorescent capacity. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were well anchored onto the surfaces of the CNT. In vitro time kinetic experiments using confocal microscopy demonstrated a higher uptake of the Fe 3 O 4 -PEG-FITC-CNT nanosystem localized at the perinuclear region of MCF7 cells compared to the free FITC. In addition, the CNT nanosystem demonstrated no evidence of toxicity on cell growth. Surface conjugation of multicomponents, combined with in vitro non-toxicity, enhanced cellular uptake for FITC and site specific targeting ability makes this fluorescent Fe 3 O 4 -PEG-FITC-CNT nanosystem an ideal candidate for bioimaging, both in vitro and in vivo.

A multicomponent magneto-dendritic nanosystem (MDNS) is designed for rapid tumor cell targeting, isolation, and high-resolution imaging by a facile bioconjugation approach. The highly efficient and rapid-acting MDNS provides a convenient platform for simultaneous isolation and high-resolution imaging of tumor cells, potentially leading towards an early diagnosis of cancer.

The synthesized triester amide (THPRABA) gives an alternative to the phthalate plasticizers.