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We report a facile approach to synthesize water-dispersible nanocomposite with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) attached to graphene (G), which combines the growth of Fe 3 O 4 NPs and the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in one single step. The unique hydrophilic surface structure of Fe 3 O 4 /G nanocomposite leads to it being colloidally stable, non-cytotoxic, well-dispersible and biocompatible in aqueous solution verified via bio-experiments. In vivo tests also prove that Fe 3 O 4 /G nanocomposite, which can be cleared from the body through the metabolic processes, is harmless to the living body. Most importantly, the Fe 3 O 4 /G nanocomposite showed T 2 relaxivity (123.04 mM −1 s −1 ) indicating its potential as a sensitive T 2 contrast agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Solvent is not needed in the synthesis process. [•] The reaction is carried out at room temperature. [•] All the reactants used in this method are nontoxic and economic. [•] The synthesis process is very simple. [•] The water-soluble IO NPs show very high magnetic resonance contrast properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]