Silica nanotubes (SNTs) functionalized with magnetic and up-conversion luminescent (UCL) NaYF sub(4):Yb/Er/Gd nanocrystals (NCs) (denoted as MUCNCsatSNTs) have been prepared by single-nozzle electrospinning based on a phase separation effect without any templates. Monodisperse and hydrophilic cubic alpha -NaYF sub(4):Yb/Er/Gd NCs decorated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) were fabricated in a facile hydrothermal route. Then, the Gd super(3+)-doped alpha -NaYF sub(4):Yb/Er NCs were dispersed into the electrospinning precursor solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), followed by the preparation of precursor nanotubes viaelectrospinning process. Finally, after annealing at 600 degree C, pure MUCNCsatSNTs were obtained. The biocompatibility test on L929 fibroblast cells using MTT assay reveals low cytotoxicity of the composites. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), a typical anti-cancer drug, was introduced into MUCNCsatSNTs to evaluate the loading and sustained release behaviours. The composite carriers provide pH-dependent drug release behaviour owing to abundant Si-OH active bonds of silica and its interactions with DOX. The in vitrocytotoxicity and cell uptake behaviour of the MUCNCsatSNTs for HeLa cells were evaluated. For in vitromagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the composites show the promising spin lattice relaxation time (T sub(1)) weighted effect and could potentially apply as a T sub(1)-positive contrast agent. In addition, the composites show near-infrared UC luminescence and were successfully applied in the bioimaging of HeLa cells. Considering the good biocompatibility, high drug releasing content and pH-dependent drug release of the materials, these magnetic and luminescent composite nanotubes have potential applications in drug sustained release and magnetic resonance/UC luminescence modality imaging.