Incorporating self-healing capability in temperature-sensitive hydrogels by non-covalent chitosan crosslinkers

•Strong yet reversible non-covalent interactions are introduced into the poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) temperature-sensitive hydrogel.•Reversible non-covalent interactions enhance the mechanical properties of PNIPAM hydrogel and give them excellent self-healing ability.•The combination of excellent swelling property, temperature sensitivity and biocompatibility can provide a stable intelligent drug release platform.