Multifunctional Ag@Fe2O3yolk–shell nanoparticles for simultaneous capture, kill, and removal of pathogenElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed experimental procedures, TEM images, XPS analysis, UV-vis analysis, and antibacterial results on agar. See DOI: 10.1039/c1jm13691g

We combined silver and iron oxide nanoparticles to make unique Ag@Fe2O3yolk–shell multifunctional nanoparticles by the Kirkendall effect. After the surface functionalization using glucose, the Ag@Fe2O3–Glu conjugates exhibited both high capture efficiency of bacteria and potent antibacterial activity. The Ag@Fe2O3yolk–shell nanostructures may offer a unique multifunctional platform for simultaneous rapid detection and capture of bacteria and safe detoxification treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]