Various kinds of nanostructured particles like nanorice and nanospears (i.e., tapered nanorods) are made using polymer nanospheres and ordered porous templates. For example, cylindrical nanopores of anodized alumina membranes are filled with polymer nanoparticles by a solvent assisted nanoinjection. Then the membranes are heated in an oven above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The nanoparticles coalesce to form nanorods with a controlled aspect ratio and terminal contour. The terminal contour can be shaped in the form of nanorice, nanospears or tapered nanorods.