We have synthesized and characterized bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) loaded with indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved near infrared chromophore. Poly(allylamine) hydrochloride was electrostatically crosslinked with phosphate anions to form nanoconstructs encapsulating ICG. BSA was conjugated onto the polymeric NCs via glutaraldehyde. BSA-coated ICG-containing nanocapsules (BSA-ICG NCs) were characterized by FTIR and optical spectroscopy, SEM, and zeta-potential measurements. Using normal human endocervical epithelial cells, we demonstrate the effectiveness of BSA-ICG NCs for intracellular optical imaging in vitro. These nanoconstructs may potentially serve as a multifunctional platform for combined optical imaging, phototherapy, and drug delivery. (c) 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012