We have developed a simple synthetic route to achieve the synthesis of gold loaded radial mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Au-MsNPs). These nanoparticles were synthesized in a one step procedure fully compatible with basic conditions required for the preparation of monodispersed nanospheres. These Au-MsNPs were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis and N2 adsorption. Metallic Au-nanoparticles embedded in pore channels were responsible for plasmonic activity. Au-MsNPs were then coated with phospholipid bilayers in order to design a biofunctional device with plasmonic properties for biosensing. The supported lipid bilayers were obtained after incubation of Au-MsNPs particles with different lipid vesicles. The coating efficiency was investigated by zeta potential, agarose gel electrophoresis and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Different model systems have been investigated: direct adsorption of bovine serum albumin or molecular recognition events between a biotin receptor (integrated in the supported lipid bilayer) and avidin. Overall the results demonstrate the plasmonic sensitivity of the bare or the coated lipid bilayer Au-MsNPs (Veneziano et al. 2012).