The light produced from the luciferase reaction is what gives the magnetic nanoparticles the ability to expose abnormal cell growth patterns, eliminating the need for other light sources that could harm the cells.  A sensitive charge-coupled device camera can then be used to create a clear picture of the growth patterns by detecting the position of emitted light over time.
In processing luciferase for potential medical use in animals and humans, superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles must first be synthesized by precipitating magnetite from a solution of ferric and ferrous ions.  A polymer layer is added to prevent the particles from aggregating, and then the luciferase shell is added.  The resultant processed MNP has a core with cubic spinel structure and is 40-119 nanometers in diameter. The superparamagnetic property of the nanoparticles can allow for cell manipulation by an external magnetic field. The cells targeted by certain nanoparticles can then be neutralized to lose function or separated from healthy ones.  The nanoscale of the particles also allows for the tracking and manipulation of each cell individually, which can be done in a natural, safe way using the luciferase-modified MNPs.