Bioreducible insulin-loaded nanoparticles and their interaction with model lipid membranes

► Novel nanodrugs based on protein-loaded polyelectrolyte complexes were produced. ► Nanodrug-model membrane interactions were studied with surface sensitive techniques. ► The nanodrugs collapsed into thin layers on top of oppositely charged lipid membranes. ► The bioreducible nanodrugs disintegrated when exposed to glutathione. ► The nanodrugs disintegrated when the ambient pH was reduced from 7.3 to 5.1.