Spherical poly(acrylic acid)-block-polystyrene (PAA-b-PS) nano-objects were prepared via polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) and used as templates for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The PAA shells on the spheres acted as templates for the formation of immobilized Ag NPs by loading Ag + ions followed by reduction. The templates covered with discrete Ag NPs showed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect as substrates for adenine detection and high catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.