pH-Triggered DNA delivery based on multilayer film of DNA polyplexes and charge-reversible poly(ethylenimine)

► A charge-reversible poly(ethylenimine) (cPEI) was synthesized. ► cPEI can be hydrolyzed from negative to positive charge depending on pH. ► The (cPEI/DNA polyplexes) multilayer was fabricated via layer-by-layer deposition. ► pH-triggered hydrolysis of cPEI leads to a disassembly of multilayer film.