Preparation of pH- and ionic-strength responsive biodegradable fumaric acid crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose

► A novel biodegradable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel was synthesized by using fumaric acid (FA) as a crosslinking agent. ► Hydrogels show pH- and ionic-strength responsive behavior. ► Reversible pH-responsiveness of hydrogels was observed. ► Hydrogels exhibited biodegradable property.