OICC Press Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry 2193-8865 8 1 (March 2018) 2018 02 12 Asymmetric attachment and functionalization of plasmonic nanoparticles on ceramic interfaces 10.1007/s40097-018-0252-y EN Daniel Stadler Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Shifaa Mohammed Siribbal Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Isabel Gessner Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Senol Öz Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Shaista Ilyas Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Sanjay Mathur Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50939, DE Journal Article 2018 02 12 Abstract The demands for materials that integrate more than one functional imaging or therapeutic unit are of increasing interest for biomedical applications. Here, we present the step-by-step preparation of asymmetric and optically active particles, namely, Gd 2 O 3 @Ag, Gd 2 O 3 @Au, SiO 2 –N 3 @Au, and SiO 2 –SH@Au . Successful attachment of plasmonic nanoparticles to the surface of metal-oxide spheres without necessity of a potentially toxic inter-adhesive layer was proven by optical methods as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combination of optical and magnetic properties as present in Gd 2 O 3 @Ag and Gd 2 O 3 @Au Janus-type particles leads to dual-imaging probes for optical and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, functional groups, such as azide groups, were linked to the surface of silica particles previous to Au nanoparticle attachment. Subsequent site-selective click reactions with 5-FAM were successfully performed as demonstrated by UV–Vis measurements. All described systems exhibited excellent long-term stability and can, therefore, be considered as promising candidates for theranostic applications. Graphical abstract