Lipid droplet is a dynamic sub-cellular organelle and its imaging is important for understanding their functional role toward the cellular scale origin of many diseases. However, currently available imaging probes are inefficient in monitoring their activity for longer time scale. Here we have designed a quantum dot based fluorescent nanoprobe that can be used to image lipid droplet for longer time. Nanoprobe has quantum dot core, polymer shell with zwitterionic surface charge and optimum lipophilic functionality. The nanoprobe has 30-40 nm hydrodynamic size with near zero surface charge at physiological pH, modular interaction with the cell membrane and enters into cell via predominate lipid-raft endocytosis and label lipid droplets. Presented nanoprobe can be used for understanding the functional role of lipid droplet towards various cellular functions.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) represent a versatile magnetic nanoparticle (NP) system with considerable, yet underexplored, potential in diverse applications, particularly in emerging biomedical fields such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, and biosensing. The successful translation of MIONPs into these applications requires reproducible synthesis methods and precise control over particle uniformity in terms of size, shape, and composition. However, reproducibility in nanoparticle synthesis remains a persistent challenge, limiting the ability of researchers to replicate results and integrate MIONPs into application-oriented studies. In recent years, substantial efforts have been directed toward elucidating synthesis mechanisms and improving both reproducibility and particle uniformity, enabling notable advances in the biomedical deployment of MIONPs. This review summarizes progress in the synthesis of MIONPs, with emphasis on three widely employed precursors: iron oleate, iron acetylacetonate, and iron pentacarbonyl. The discussion focuses on key findings in NP synthesis, relevant chemical aspects, and the magnetic properties of MIONPs, which are critical for optimizing their functional performance. By consolidating recent advances, this review aims to provide a reliable framework for the preparation of high-quality MIONPs and to support their effective use in specific biomedical applications.