Abstract: Compositions containing polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with non-spherical shapes and methods for making and using such particles are described herein. The particles have a size range from an average diameter of about Compositions containing polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with non-spherical shapes and methods for making and using such particles are described herein. The particles have one or more dimensions ranging from about 5 nm to about 100 ?m, preferably about 100 nm to 10 ?m. The particles can have any of a wide variety of non-spherical shapes. The particles are generally formed by manipulation of spherical particles embedded in a polymeric film. A wide variety of resulting shapes can be made. The resulting shape is a function of whether the films are manipulated in a first and/or second dimension, and the processes used to liquefy the microparticles. Variations of the method of manufacture may be used to generate particles having the desired shapes in large, reproducible quantities.