Nanocapsules

Definition

The terms Nanocapsules and Nanoparticles are often used interchangeably but distinct differences may be noted. Nanocapsules are nanometer size capsules generally of a spherical shape and varying from 1 to 100 nm in size, whereas nanoparticles can have diverse shapes and can vary from 5 to several hundred nm in size. Nanocapsules may be regarded as carrying a core material (such as a therapeutic) surrounded by a structural shell that protects and may deliver the cargo to specific sites, whereas nanoparticles may have certain molecules attached to nanometer size carrier particles; the attached materials may comprise therapeutic agents and targeting materials to promote delivery of the nanoparticles.

Cross-References

• Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy