This study presents a novel platform for controlled release of bioactive agents using gold nanocages coated with smart polymers and activated by near-infrared (NIR) light. Gold nanocages, with their hollow interiors and porous walls, absorb NIR light efficiently, converting it into heat through the photothermal effect. When these nanocages are coated with a polymer like poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) or its copolymers, the polymer changes conformation at temperatures above its critical solution temperature (LCST), causing the polymer chains to collapse and release pre-loaded effectors. The release can be controlled by adjusting the power density and irradiation time of the NIR laser. The system is versatile, suitable for various effectors, and well-suited for in vivo studies due to the high transparency of soft tissues in NIR. The authors demonstrate the controlled release of a dye, an anticancer drug (doxorubicin), and an enzyme (lysozyme) from the coated nanocages, showing high efficiency and bioactivity retention. This platform offers advantages such as high spatial and temporal resolution, bio-inertness, and the ability to functionalize the nanocage surface with targeting ligands.This study presents a novel platform for controlled release of bioactive agents using gold nanocages coated with smart polymers and activated by near-infrared (NIR) light. Gold nanocages, with their hollow interiors and porous walls, absorb NIR light efficiently, converting it into heat through the photothermal effect. When these nanocages are coated with a polymer like poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) or its copolymers, the polymer changes conformation at temperatures above its critical solution temperature (LCST), causing the polymer chains to collapse and release pre-loaded effectors. The release can be controlled by adjusting the power density and irradiation time of the NIR laser. The system is versatile, suitable for various effectors, and well-suited for in vivo studies due to the high transparency of soft tissues in NIR. The authors demonstrate the controlled release of a dye, an anticancer drug (doxorubicin), and an enzyme (lysozyme) from the coated nanocages, showing high efficiency and bioactivity retention. This platform offers advantages such as high spatial and temporal resolution, bio-inertness, and the ability to functionalize the nanocage surface with targeting ligands.