Nanoshell

**Semantic type:** Classification

**Definition:** A nanoparticle composed of a metallic shell surrounding a semiconductor. When nanoshells reach a target cancer cell, they can be irradiated with near-infrared light or excited with a magnetic field; either of these exposures will cause the nanoshell to become hot, thereby killing the cancer cell. The metal spheres can absorb or scatter light at several wavelengths, making them well-suited for several clinical applications.