Microscopical characterization of nanocapsules templated on ionic crystals and biological cells towards bio-medical applications

Nanocapsules represent a comparatively new class of colloids with controlled nanostructure. The use of crystals as core influences the wall texture and the properties of the capsules. Yeast cells constitute a candidate as core. They are a good system for testing the protective ability of shells and the permeability of the walls with respect to the needs of biological systems, namely: feeding and stability against attacks. The main features of the nanocapsules have been studied by two-photon, confocal and atomic force microscopy. Nanocapsules are of bio-medical interest since they can be used, for example, for the controlled release and targeting of drugs as well as for the protection of enzymes, proteins and foreign cells.