In this paper we present two strategies to obtain noble metal particles for nanostructured and polymer-based nanocomposite thin films. Particles of silver and platinum with average sizes from 5 to 30 nm can be obtained using suitable organometallic molecules which are reduced by simple thermal treatments or by particle beam irradiation. The clusters can be obtained on a suitable surface or embedded in a number of polymers showing different physical and chemical properties. Similar results are obtained by generating a metal colloid through direct laser ablation of metallic targets in liquid environment. The colloids show different properties depending on the liquid and on the laser beam parameters. Once again colloids can be used to co-deposit particles embedded in a chosen polymer. Properties of these and other nanocomposites will be studied using microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.