Novel multifunctional nanoparticles containing a magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 sphere and a biocompatible block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(aspartate) (PEG-b-PAsp) were prepared. The silica coated on the superparamagnetic core was able to achieve a magnetic dispersivity, as well as to protect Fe 3 O 4 against oxidation and acid corrosion. The PAsp block was grafted to the surface of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanoparticles by amido bonds, and the PEG block formed the outermost shell. The anticancer agent doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the hybrid nanoparticles via an electrostatic interaction between DOX and PAsp. The release rate of DOX could be adjusted by the pH value. magnetic nanoparticle, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 , multifunctional, controlled drug release