The present invention is directed to micro and nanosized capsule compositions and methods of using and making the capsule compositions. The capsule compositions comprise an outer layer of lipids and/or polymers and inner contents comprising semiconductor nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are either metal oxides or quantum dots and will produce reactive oxygen species when irradiated with either electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound. The reactive oxygen species will degrade the outer layer of the capsule and cause the release of the contents, including the reactive oxygen species, into the local environment. The contents may optionally include cancer treating agent, water treating agents, antimicrobials, imaging and/or contracting agents. The outer layer may be further coated to protect it from environmental factors and/or be conjugated with a targeting molecule to increase delivery to a target.
