Spiky and Dendritic Microparticles: Design, Synthesis, and Emerging Applications

Microparticles with long surface protrusions, either as rigid spikes or flexible dendrites, represent a unique class of colloidal materials. Their chemical and structural features give rise to properties and functions that differ fundamentally from those of similarly shaped nanoparticles, with applications in drug delivery, biofilm disruption, and adhesive technologies. Their distinctive spiky or dendritic morphologies alter interparticle interactions, and regulate particle–environment interactions. Synthesizing these particles is inherently challenging, as colloidal particles naturally favor smooth surfaces to minimize surface energy. This review highlights key synthetic strategies, including seeded growth, emulsion-templated synthesis, and polymer precipitation under turbulent shear. We describe the particles produced via these processes and their applications, and discuss future challenges and opportunities in this emerging field.