The present invention provides formulations comprising nanocoated biological materials (e.g., viral particles), methods for producing powders comprising nanocoated biological materials, and powders produced from such formulations and methods. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the present formulations or dried powders, and vaccines comprising the present formulations or dried powders. The nanocoated biological materials typically display superior stability for either direct use in a formulation or in drying processes to produce a powder material, wherein the coated materials are typically more tolerant to environmental stress (e.g., chemical, thermal, and/or mechanical stress) during storage or drying processes.