The complexes of lysozyme with poly(isobutylene‐alt‐maleic acid) (PIMA) and poly(1‐tetradecene‐alt‐maleic acid) (PTMA) at pH 7.4 were characterized using static and dynamic light scattering. The electrostatic interaction of PIMA with lysozyme results in a loose complex structure, while the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between PTMA and lysozyme produce a compact complex structure. Lysozyme in PIMA complex particles remains a part of activity and structure analyzed by circular dichroism and substrate hydrolysis. However, lysozyme loses its tertiary structure and activity completely in PTMA complex. NaCl is more effective to dissociate PIMA–lysozyme complex by screening the electrostatic interaction, whereas GdHCl is more effective to dissociate PTMA–lysozyme complex by forming GdHCl–PTMA precipitates through extra hydrophobic interactions. In the release process, the denatured lysozyme molecules are able to avoid hydrophobic aggregation and fully regenerate their native structure and activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4681–4690, 2008

The complexation of lysozyme and sodium (sulfamate carboxylate) isoprene/ethylene oxide (SCIEO) at pH = 7.4 and the release of lysozyme from the complexes in the presence of NaCl were investigated. Through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, lysozyme and SCIEO form stable complex nanoparticles. The complexation partially disturbs the structure of lysozyme. Some of the hydrophobic residues of lysozyme are exposed to bind with SCIEO. The complexation leads to loss of most of the lysozyme activity. In the presence of NaCl, lysozyme can be released from the complexes. The released lysozyme molecules recover their native structure and activity completely. In the condition of physiological pH and ionic strength, a sustained and extended release of lysozyme was achieved.