Nanostructures with animal-like shapes

Rare nanostructures having shapes of animals are discussed in detail. Nanoforms, such as nanolarvae, nanoworms, nanosquamae, and nanourchins, of mainly inorganic compounds are examined. These nanostructures possess numerous useful properties (such as magnetic, semiconducting, and field-emitting properties) and applications, including mainly catalytic processes (in particular, for photodegradation of organic compounds); creation of nano/biomaterials and solar cells; and treatment of tumors, among other uses. A nonformal classification for nanostructures based on rare nanostructures is offered.