pH- and glucose-sensitive glycopolymer nanoparticles based on phenylboronic acid for triggered release of insulin

► It is the first time that the kinetic for the ATRP of 2-acryloyloxyethyl pentaacetylgalactoside is studied. ► We find that a degree of control for the ATRP of tBA using poly(2-acryloyloxyethyl pentaacetylgalactoside) macroinitiators. ► DLS, TEM and the in vitro release study reveal obvious pH- and glucose-sensitivity of the glycopolymer nanoparticles. ► The sugar blocks improve the cytocompatiblity of the glycopolymer nanoparticles.