Photofunctional hollow nanocapsules for biomedical applications

Abstract

Among the various nano-objects, hollow nanocapsule systems offer fascinating formulations for biomedical applications. The hollow nanocapsule structures in this paper are divided into five different categories depending on their formation mechanism and structural components: (1) liposomes, (2) polymersomes and other polymeric hollow nanocapsules, (3) template-based hollow micro- and nanocapsules, (4) metallic hollow nanocapsules, and (5) other types of hollow nanocapsules. This feature article discusses the overall research trends in the design and applications of photofunctional hollow nanocapsules typically related to photodynamic therapy and photo-induced drug delivery.