In situ generation of bioreducible and acid labile nanogels/microgels simply via adding water into the polymerization system

A novel and versatile method for one-pot and in situ generation of bioreducible and acid labile nanogels/microgels simply via adding water into the polymerization system is reported. The produced polymers in the polymerization system become temperature-sensitive and less soluble after adding water, and hence they collapse together, forming nanoparticles. Subsequently, the disulfides inside the nanoparticle undergo intermolecular disulfide exchange to crosslink the nanoparticle into a bioreducible and acid labile nanogel/microgel. The size of the nanogel/microgel can be easily controlled by the polymerization time and the amount of water added. The formed nanogel/microgel is redox and pH responsive, and biocompatible.