pH-sensitive CuS@Cu2S@Au nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully prepared by sacrificing template method. The NPs are of hollow structure, which is certified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CuS@Cu2S@Au NPs can be used as carriers for doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX loaded NPs exhibit pH-sensitive release of the drug, which are prospective as controllable drug delivery system. Besides, relative to the high toxicity and lethality of the free DOX, the time-dependent release of drug from the NPs is more suitable for the long-time and lasting treatment for colon cancer. The CuS@Cu2S@Au NPs with good biocompatibility are promising biomaterials in the application of biomedical and tissue engineering fields. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.