A silane-based ligand has been used for surface modification of three different types of nanoparticles synthesized from nonhydrolytically solvents. These modified particles can be easily transferred from hydrophobic solvents to various aqueous solutions by reacting with this surfactant. After surface modification, silica can be further deposited on the surfaces of these nanoparticles. The amounts of silane ligand, ammonium hydroxide and silica precursors were adjusted to change structures of these core-shell particles. This method worked well for all three nanoparticle systems including iron oxide, silver and Pt@iron oxide, indicating the method should be generic for surfactant capped nanoparticles. Cores of some of these nanoparticles could be removed to form hollow structures. Both core-shell and hollow particles could be loaded with penicillin and tested for drug delivery. Study on inhibition zones show that hollow particles have larger loading capability than core-shell particles.