Table 2. Characterization methods and parametric analysis of polymersomes .

Characterization method	Size detection limit	Parameters for analysis	Advantages	Disadvantages	References
Scattering Methods: 1. Dynamic Light Scattering 2. Photon correlation spectroscopy 3. X-ray scattering	2 mm 10 mm 0.5 mm	Size, molecular weight, lamellarity, encapsulation permeability, concentration	Simple methods, minimal sample volume required, sensitivity to large molecules, highly accurate results can be obtained	Applicable only for monodisperse sample analysis,chances for misinterpretation, elaborated setup	53
Visualization techniques via photons: 1. Optical microscopy 2. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy	200 mm 200 mm	Size, lamellarity, concentration	Widely employed techniques, better contrast, high sensitivity, Improved resolution	Difficult quantitative analysis, the existence of resolution limit	29,54
Visualization techniques via electrons: - 1. Transmission electron microscopy 2. Scanning electron microscopy	0.5 mm-30 mm	Size, morphology, lamellarity, concentration	High resolution, better contrast, structure preservation	Elaborate sample preparation, vesicle structural shrinkage, uncertain values of bilayer thickness and true size	55
Electromagnetic manipulation methods: - 1. Scanning probe microscopy 2. Nuclear magnetic resolution 3. Laser doppler electrophoresis	0.1 mm – 1 mm	Size, topology, elastic properties, lamellarity, encapsulation, zeta potential, elastic property, the surface charge potential	High accuracy, fast and high sensitivity	Requires frequent calibration, high sensitivity to vibrations, tedious process	56
Sorting techniques 1. Flow cytometry 2. Size exclusion chromatography	50-200 mm	Size, concentration,	Widely available techniques, a wide range of sizes can be studied, more selective	Requires calibration, sample loss occurs due to surface adsorption, elaborate setup, potential pore-clogging	57