Poly-L-lysine designed magnetic nanoparticles for combined hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging and cancer cell detection

•Acquired SAR values (14–15 W/g) of MFPLL are acceptable in order to avoid patient overheating.•The prepared MFPLL nanoparticles are useful for negative MRI contrast imaging.•Antibody conjugation against tumor marker CA IX to MFPLL nanoparticles is exhibited.•Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles bind to CA IX-positive cancer cells in a 3D cell model.•Antibody-coupled magnetic nanoparticles are promising tool for tumor targeting.