Hemicellulose-based pH-sensitive and biodegradable hydrogel for controlled drug delivery

► Hemicelluloses isolated from wheat straw were employed to prepare pH-sensitive hydrogels. ► The swelling ratio of the hydrogel showed apparent transition at physiological pH. ► The swelling kinetics followed Fickian diffusion process in media of pH 1.5. ► The hemicelluloses content and crosslinking density affected the biodegradation. ► Drug release was controlled together by hydrogel and the intrinsic character of drug.