Nanostructured Polymer Capsules and Their Applications: Current Status and Future Opportunities

The focus of this chapter surrounds the nanotechnologyNanotechnology of nanoscale polymer capsules within the biomedical industry. In the chapter, the discussion revolves around the material properties of the nanocapsule shell which can be made from organic polymers, fats, proteins, and polysaccharides. Polymeric nanocapsulesPolymeric nanocapsules hold a versatile characteristic as their shell allows them to do so; they have the advantageous ability to control the release rate of the content held within based on the shell choice. The release control can be triggered through environmental changes such as pH level and temperature. Nanocapsules come in a large range of sizes, and because within the nanoscale, particles are so small, and it allows for a larger surface area and a longer life span. Based on the title of the chapter, the focus will be on polymer nanocapsules. There are various methods available in the fabrication of the technology. Some of the fabrication techniques expanded on include layer-by-layer assemblyLayer-by-layer assembly, solid core mesoporous shell,Solid Core Mesoporous Shell and emulsion-diffusion assemblyEmulsion-diffusion assembly. As for the applications relating to the nanotechnologyNanotechnology, there are many uses for nanocapsules in the biomedical field. They can be used for drug delivery applicationsDrug delivery application, imaging, diagnostic, and orthopedics. This technology can also be seen used in other fields including packing and pesticides in food processing and wastewater treatment which will be elaborated further in this chapter.