colloids: applications and remaining challenges

using of colloids and polymeric microparticles are gradually increasing. it is observed that thepositive effects of particles stems in both traditional applications such as column pickings,coatings and paints to more recent technologies in diagnostics, drug delivery and optical devicesare well documented. this review focuses on importance of colloids and covers theirapplications on three level: (1) the cell/tissue level; (2) the single device level; (3) selfassembly.then i state the working principles and developments in fabrication methods. keyadvantages and challenges of colloids and polymeric microparticles are discussed as well.papers reviewed in this study show that while there are practical methods to the synthesis ofsuch particles but accurate control of anisotropy and morphology that is essential for specializedparticles is a critical problem. therefore, a new approach is desired, which generatesgeometrically and chemically anisotropic particles with high throughput. in addition, thisapproach should be able to generate particles with complex composition, and preferably haveadaptability.