Tunable disintegration of layer-by-layer assembly multilayer films based on hydrolytical-polybetaine at wide-range time

► A cationic hydrolytical-polycarboxybetaine (HPCB) was firstly synthesized. ► HPCB could assemble with poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) PSS to form multilayer films. ► A very wide-range disintegration time (from 2 min to 30 days) of HPCB/PSS multilayer films was successfully realized.