A platform based on gold nanocages covered with smart polymers is developed for controlled release of bioactive compounds using near-infrared (NIR) light. Gold nanocages, with hollow interiors and porous walls, exhibit strong absorption in the NIR range, enabling efficient photothermal conversion. When coated with a smart polymer, such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) or its copolymer, the pre-loaded effector can be released in a controllable manner upon NIR laser exposure. The polymer undergoes a temperature-dependent conformational change, causing the nanocage pores to open or close, thereby controlling the release of the effector. The system is well-suited for in vivo studies due to the high transparency of soft tissue in the NIR range. The smart polymer is covalently anchored to the nanocage surface via gold-thiolate linkages. The release can be controlled by adjusting the power density and duration of laser exposure. The LCST (lower critical solution temperature) of the polymer can be tuned to match the body temperature (37°C) or slightly above, ensuring controlled release in vivo. The system was tested with various effectors, including a dye (alizarin-PEG), a chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin), and an enzyme (lysozyme). The release of these compounds was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy and confirmed to be reversible and controllable. The platform was also tested in vitro, where doxorubicin-loaded nanocages were used to kill breast cancer cells upon laser irradiation. The release of doxorubicin was found to be temperature and laser power density dependent, with higher power densities leading to more release. The system was also shown to be reusable after laser-triggered release, as the nanocages could be reloaded with the effector. The platform offers advantages such as high spatial/temporal resolution, bio-inertness of gold nanocages, and the ability to functionalize the surface with targeting ligands. This system represents a promising approach for controlled drug delivery and targeted therapy.A platform based on gold nanocages covered with smart polymers is developed for controlled release of bioactive compounds using near-infrared (NIR) light. Gold nanocages, with hollow interiors and porous walls, exhibit strong absorption in the NIR range, enabling efficient photothermal conversion. When coated with a smart polymer, such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) or its copolymer, the pre-loaded effector can be released in a controllable manner upon NIR laser exposure. The polymer undergoes a temperature-dependent conformational change, causing the nanocage pores to open or close, thereby controlling the release of the effector. The system is well-suited for in vivo studies due to the high transparency of soft tissue in the NIR range. The smart polymer is covalently anchored to the nanocage surface via gold-thiolate linkages. The release can be controlled by adjusting the power density and duration of laser exposure. The LCST (lower critical solution temperature) of the polymer can be tuned to match the body temperature (37°C) or slightly above, ensuring controlled release in vivo. The system was tested with various effectors, including a dye (alizarin-PEG), a chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin), and an enzyme (lysozyme). The release of these compounds was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy and confirmed to be reversible and controllable. The platform was also tested in vitro, where doxorubicin-loaded nanocages were used to kill breast cancer cells upon laser irradiation. The release of doxorubicin was found to be temperature and laser power density dependent, with higher power densities leading to more release. The system was also shown to be reusable after laser-triggered release, as the nanocages could be reloaded with the effector. The platform offers advantages such as high spatial/temporal resolution, bio-inertness of gold nanocages, and the ability to functionalize the surface with targeting ligands. This system represents a promising approach for controlled drug delivery and targeted therapy.