Catalytic degradation of organic dyes using Au-poly(styrene@N-isopropylmethacrylamide) hybrid microgels

•Au nanoparticles loaded into outer region of microgel particles has been synthesized successively.•Hybrid microgel particles have excellent catalytic activity.•Different organic dyes have been reduced/degraded in the presence of the hybrid microgels.•The hybrid microgels are easily recyclable catalysts for reduction/degradation of organic dyes.