Thermo-sensitivity and triggered drug release of polysaccharide nanogels derived from pullulan-g-poly(l-lactide) copolymers

► The thermo-sensitivity of poly(l-lactide)-g-pullulan (PLP) copolymers was investigated. ► PLP copolymers form self-organized nanogels consisting of hydrophobic cores of poly(l-lactide) and hydrophilic outer-shells of pullulan in an aqueous environment. ► Lactide substitution degree to the pullulan backbone affects the phase-transition temperature of PLP. ► The thermoresponsive system release more drug amount with temperature increase, resulting in effectively killing cancer cells.