We have developed an efficient method for producing difunctional, bilateral nanospheres. A monolayer of nanoparticles was prepared followed by deposition of a thin la er of metal. By varying the base particle and metal deposited, bilateral nanoparticles were formed. The different regions of the nanoparticles were selectively functionalized with polymer linkers containing specific terminal groups, thereby creating bilateral, difunctional nanoparticles. Subsequent covalent cross-linking, of different nanoparticles enabled the formation of stable architectures with programmed hierarchy and controlled chemical composition.