Design of Hollow Nanocapsules and their Applications in Biomedical Imaging

Abstract

Different nanocarrier systems owing to their nano size, increased surface area and unique electrical and magnetic properties are employed for biomedical applications. Among the various nanocarrier systems, hollow nanocapsules are one of the most interesting carrier systems for thier use in bioimaging and biomedical applications. The unique properties of hollow nanocapsules make them suitable for use in bioimaging. In this article hollow nanocpsules have been classified into four classes based on thier composition: (i) liposomes, (ii) polmersomes and other polymeric hollow nanocapsules, (iii) metallic hollow nanocapsules and (iv) others. The formation and design of these hollow nanocapsules and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications using different agents/imaging probes and imaging modalities is discussed briefly. Hollow nanocapsules have revolutionized the field of biomedical imaging.