The integration of multiple functions within a single active colloid remains a major challenge in nanoscale materials design. Herein, we report the fabrication of well-defined trifunctional asymmetrical hybrid colloids that combine magnetic (Fe3O4), plasmonic (CuS), and catalytic (Pt) functionalities within a polymer-templated architecture. These magneto-plasmonic-catalytic colloids are produced via microfluidic coassembly of inorganic nanoparticles using amphiphilic block copolymers, yielding uniform supracolloidal structures with controlled size and spatially heterogeneous nanoparticle distribution. Owing to the near-infrared extinction of Fe3O4 and CuS, the colloids exhibit exceptional photothermal performance in both NIR-I and NIR-II biological windows, achieving conversion efficiencies of 38.5% at 808 nm and 44.6% at 1064 nm while maintaining structural integrity under repeated irradiation. The incorporation of Fe3O4 enables precise magnetic guidance and directional motion, whereas Pt nanoparticles provide catalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide decomposition. At the single-particle level, the asymmetrical architecture induces active motion under light or chemical stimulation and allows the magnetically guided transport of giant unilamellar vesicles. This work establishes a versatile platform for engineering multifunctional active colloids with complementary magnetic, photothermal, and catalytic properties, opening an opportunity for targeted transport, dual-wavelength photothermal therapy, and stimuli-responsive catalysis.
Fan et al. (2026) studied this question.