Tunable Smart Surface of Gold Nanoparticles Achieved by Light‐Controlled Molecular Recognition Effection

Abstract Thermosensitive poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)‐coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by self‐assembly of the azobenzene‐terminated PNIPAm on the surface of the α ‐cyclodextrin ( α ‐CD)‐capped AuNPs via the host–guest molecular recognition between α ‐CD and azobenzene. Reversible attachment–detachment of azobenzene‐terminated PNIPAm on the surface of α ‐CD‐capped AuNPs was achieved when subjected to visible and UV light irradiation alternately, which endowed thermosensitive AuNPs with tunable smart properties. magnified image