Abstract: Methods for making self-assembled, selectively permeable elastic microscopie structures, referred to herein as colloidosomes, that have controlled pore-size, porosity and advantageous mechanical properties are described. In one form of the invention, a method of forming colloidosomes includes providing particles formed from a biocompatible material in a first solvent and forming an emulsion by adding a first fluid to the first solvent wherein the emulsion is defined by droplets of the first fluid surrounded by the first solvent. The method includes coating the surface of droplet with the particles and the stabilizing the particles on the surface of droplet. The colloidosomes produced typically have a yield strength of at least about 20 Pascals. In certain forms of the invention, the particles are spherical and are formed of a biocompatible polymer. Colloidosomes formed according to the methods described herein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for making self-assembled, selectively permeable elastic microscopie structures, referred to herein as colloidosomes, that have controlled pore-size, porosity and advantageous mechanical properties are described. In one form of the invention, a method of forming colloidosomes includes providing particles formed from a biocompatible material in a first solvent and forming an emulsion by adding a first fluid to the first solvent wherein the emulsion is defined by droplets of the first fluid surrounded by the first solvent. The method includes coating the surface of droplet with the particles and the stabilizing the particles on the surface of droplet. The colloidosomes produced typically have a yield strength of at least about 20 Pascals. In certain forms of the invention, the particles are spherical and are formed of a biocompatible polymer. Colloidosomes formed according to the methods described herein are also provided.