Tunable nonlinear optical properties of PDA/Ag composite vesicles based on reversible host-guest interaction

► We present a novel photo-controlled tunable NLO colloidal material. ► NLO switching is realized by alternating 435 and 365 nm light irradiation. ► The NLO properties of colloidal systems showed BTPA concentration dependence. ► The Reχ(3) is much larger than reported photo-responsive tunable NLO system.