Responsive nanogels for application as smart carriers in endocytic pH-triggered drug delivery systems

•Poly(NIPA-co-AAc) NGs were prepared in different composition of NIPA/AAc.•NG presented excellent dispersability at pH 7.4 and 5 at 37°C.•The NGs were non cito-toxic for models cells.•NGs present high drug loading capacity and efficiency of DOXO·HCl.•A minimal leakage of DOXO·HCl at pH 7.4 and a triggered release at pH 5 was observed.