Abstract: The present invention relates to a core-shell nanoparticle comprising (a) an inorganic core comprising a nanoparticle comprising a metal, a metal oxide or combination thereof, and a silica component; (b) a shell material comprising a copolymer having at least two polymers selected from a pH-responsive polymer and a hydrophobic polymer; and (c) a crosslinker that conjugates the shell material to the inorganic core. There is also provided a method for producing the core-shell nanoparticle and uses thereof.