The functionality of nanocolloids used in biomedical applications are subject to strong interference arising from significant interactions with biological components such as proteins and cells. Among the known examples of surface treatment of nanocolloids, the construction of an artificial cell membrane structure based on phospholipid polymers has proven effective in preventing the occurrence of biological reactions at the surface. Furthermore, certain bioactive molecules can be immobilized on the surface of the phospholipid polymer platform to generate bioaffinity for other biomolecules. This review describes preparation and characterization of integrated functional nanocolloids covered by artificial cell membrane structures and their performance in biomedical applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.