Multifunctional covalently stabilized vesicles acting simultaneously as the template of gold nanoparticle cluster and the nanocarrier of guest molecules

► Covalently stabilized vesicle (CSV) templates the formation of AuNP cluster. ► The distance of AuNPs in the cluster could be tuned. ► The color of solution of composite of AuNPs and CSV could be tuned. ► The composite of AuNPs and CSV could further encapsulate hydrophobic guest.