Novel quantum dots ZnS/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hybrid hollow spheres were obtained by localizing free radical polymerization of NIPAM and crosslinker (MBA) at the peripheral of PCL nanoparticles, followed by biodegradation of PCL with an enzyme of the Lipase PS. The formation of ZnS/PNIPAM hollow spherical structures and the thermo-sensitive reversible properties was systematically investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. The ZnS/PNIPAM hollow spheres possess the photoluminescence properties and a swelling and deswelling at about 32 degrees C, which agrees well with the slight red shift in photoluminescence spectra. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.