A novel platform of PEG-only nanocarriers and nanogels has been developed by Rutgers scientists. The nanocarriers range from 100Da-100kDa and are capable of forming stable nanogels and nanogel aggregates in a variety of sizes from 20-30nm up to greater than 1000nm. The carriers and gels have improved solubility over existing technologies and provide for enhanced loading of drug agents. Several methods have been developed to create and tailor a wide variety of polymers and copolymers utilizing an assortment of cross-linkers and functional groups to alter surface charge, charge density, hydrophobicity, cell and tissue interactions and trafficking. Collectively, the characteristics of this novel class of PEG-based nanocarriers, nanogels and nanogel aggregates enable delivery of agents requiring higher dosing and with solubility limitations, and provide for target delivery to the site of action.