Functional Polymeric Nanostructures Prepared by Self-Assembly and Beyond

In this chapter the current techniques and science for the functionalisation of polymeric nanostructures via the encapsulation of organic and inorganic molecules will be discussed. There will be 2 main aspects addressed within this chapter, the first being the synthesis of nanometer to micrometer polymer particles alongside their potential as delivery or sequestration vessels and secondly the current literature state-of-the-art for the encapsulation of small molecules within such polymeric materials. Overall, the focus of this chapter is to highlight and explore the design, synthesis, application of these polymer particles allow for the solution suspension of small molecules within a surrounding incompatible polar or apolar media to afford functional polymeric nanostructures for applications as delivery vehicles.