Coated mesoflower are described including: a metallic mesoflower core having a first surface and including at least one protrusion terminating in a tip； a non-metallic coating covering and substantially conformal to the first surface, thereby creating an outer surface of the coated mesoflower； and a marker material having an optical property that is enhanced in the presence of the coated mesoflower. Coated hollow mesoflowers that do not have the metallic mesoflower core are also described.
