A Multifuntional Nanoplatform Based on Responsive Fluorescent Plasmonic ZnO‐Au@PEG Hybrid Nanogels

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Under a rational design, combining multiple constituents into a single nano‐object will not only bridge the unique properties of individual materials to leverage research both fundamentally and practically, but will also improve conventional sensing, imaging, and therapeutic efficacies. Such a nano‐object (<100 nm) can be constructed by covalently bonding ZnO quantum dots (QDs) to nonlinear poly(ethylene glycol)‐based nanogel network chains, followed by appropriate growth of metallic Au. With the polymer gel network serving as a three‐dimensional scaffold, the fluorescence of ZnO QDs can be well protected, while metal Au still retains its surface plasmon resonance property. The ZnO QDs covalently bonded to the thermo‐responsive gel network chains can sensitively respond to temperature change of the surrounding fluids over the physiologically important range of 37–42 °C, converting the disruptions in homeostasis of local temperature into stable, robust and high‐resolution fluorescent signals. The thermoresponsive hybrid nanogels can not only enter into and light up B16F10 cells, but also regulate the release of a model anticancer drug, temozolomide, in response to either local environmental temperature change or external near‐infrared light‐induced localized hyperthermia from metal Au. The combined chemo‐photothermal therapy can significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy due to a synergistic effect.