Abstract: Generally, a polymer nanomaterial encapsulation system useful in the production of polymer encapsulated nanoparticles comprised of a hydrophobic nanoparticle encapsulated in the hydrophobic region of the polymer with the external hydrophilic region of the polymer ensuring water-solubility and affording a functional group which can be utilized for the production of nanoparticle conjugates. Specifically, particular embodiments include a polymer nanoparticle structure including one or more of: a quantum dot and/or a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle and/or an upconverting nanoparticle, encapsulated in polystyrene-b-polyethylene glycol amine for the production of antibody conjugates useful in the capture of cellular targets.