Superparamagnetic and fluorescent thermo-responsive core-shell-corona hybrid nanogels with a protective silica shell

► Straightforward and detailed protocol for the synthesis of multifunctional inorganic/organic hybrid nanogels with core-shell-corona structure. ► Fluorescent and/or magnetic core (CdSe, Fe2O3), intermediate acid-protective silica shell and a smart and thermo-responsive polymer corona (PNIPAAm). ► Tunable thickness of the intermediate silica shell and control over encapsulation of single versus multiple nanoparticles. ► Hybrid nanogels retain all functionalities of the used building blocks and join the attractive functionalities of the inorganic and the soft matter domain.