A pH-sensitive macro- and nanohydrogel constructed from cationic hydroxyl-containing hyperbranched polycarbonate

The present study reported a pH-sensitive hydrogel constructed from a cationic hyperbranched polycarbonate, namely poly(EHDO-co-ADMC), functionalized with many hydroxyl and amine groups. The selective solubility of this hyperbranched polymer permitted the fabrication of corresponding nanoparticles/nanohydrogels of around 169 nm through a simple dialysis method. By using Nile Red dye as a model, the experimental results suggested the structural stability of the nanohydrogel in a neutral pH environment, and adumbrated its potential use as a delivery carrier for poorly water-soluble drugs. The nanohydrogel morphology presented a fast pH-responsive change across a narrow pH range from 7.4 to 6.6. This nanohydrogel shows promising potential in the application of controlled drug delivery.