Abstract:
The nanoparticle(NP)/polymershelled capsules possess both the sizedependent physiochemical properties of NPs and biomedical functions, such as encapsulation, protection and transportation of medical molecules, due to their unique composition and structures. Therefore, they are of great potential in many applications, especially in biomedical fields. Recent developed preparation methods and the properties of the templatefree selfassembled capsules are summarized and reviewed. The mechanisms of the capsules formation using the templatefree technique are illustrated. Compared to the well established layerbylayer (LBL) selfassembly approach, the templatefree selfassembly approach don′t need the removal of the templates during the synthesis of the NP/polymershelled hybrid capsules, which greatly simplify the approach. Various NPs were assembled into the capsules to endow the capsules unique properties, such as optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties, which hold great potential in biomedical fields.