The dynamic controlling and changing the shape of microgels, especially the anisotropic change, remains a challenge for the construction of advanced smart materials. To this end, the fabrication of hemispherical hybrid microgels (HHMs) with Au nanorods(AuNRs)‐based vesicles was demonstrated, with the thermo‐ and NIR light‐triggered anisotropic shape transformation and controlled release induced by ‘inner engines’. AuNRs‐based vesicles acting as ‘inner engines’ were first fabricated by the self‐assembly of thiol‐terminated block copolymers modified AuNRs, with the absorbance of NIR light (808 nm), thus generating heat in the system; second, poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM)‐based HHMs containing AuNRs‐based vesicles were synthesized by the assistance of both microfluidics and photopolymerization. Importantly, uneven heat generated by the gradationally distributed AuNRs‐based vesicles in the hybrid microgels could cause an anisotropic shape change from hemispherical to mushroom‐like shape via external stimuli, with good reversibility and reproducibility. Based on this, the controlled release of loadings (e. g. Rhodamine B (RhB)) inside the engines of the microgels can be realized by combining NIR light irradiation and the shape transformation. Thus, HHMs with AuNRs‐vesicle‐based engines provide a novel platform for the investigation of drug release, artificial actuators, and micromotors.
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