Thermodynamics of aggregation of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline-b-4-vinylbenzoic acid) in water and colloidal stability of their aggregates in water/DMF mixtures

•P(EtOx-b-4VBA) was synthesized by CROP of EtOx followed by ATRP of 4VBA.•P(EtOx-b-4VBA) self-assembles in water/DMF mixtures.•The Tg of P4VBA and the water addition rate determine the formation of aggregates.•Hydrophobic cargo can be loaded in P(EtOx-b-4VBA) aggregates.•Addition of Nile red promotes aggregation of fully hydrophilic P(EtOx-b-4VBA) at pH = 12.