Exploiting this platform, we have established a molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool utilising dual-targeted microparticles of iron oxide (DT-MPIO) against VCAM-1 and P-selectin, as a smart MRI probe, to directly report the inflammatory status in local plaques for characterisation and risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic disease. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.