Biodegradable nanospheres self-assembled from complementary hydrophilic dextran macromers

► Nanospheres were self-assembled from oppositely charged hydrophilic dextran macromers. ► The size and distribution of nanosphere depend on the concentration, pH value and molecular weight of dextran, uniform and spherical nanospheres were obtained. ► The in vitro albumin release reflected the nanosphere architecture and demonstrated their potential for controlled release.