Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have gained attention as contrast agents in cancer imaging due to their unique magnetic properties, enhancing MRI's effectiveness. This study introduces an innovative approach by functionalizing SPIONs with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and a novel C-peptide derived from endostatin, aimed at improved tumor targeting. This C-peptide targets integrin αv receptors, prominently overexpressed in breast cancer cells, enhancing specificity and imaging efficacy. The SPION-DTPA-C-peptide provided precise MRI capabilities and significantly inhibited cell viability and migration in vitro (p <
0.01). The DTPA coating also facilitates the chelation of technetium-99m (