In this paper, cross-linked poly (acrylic acid-co-butyl acrylate) microgels were utilized to impart pH-sensitivity to poly (vinylidene fluoride) membranes by phase separation of a casting solution of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/poly (acrylic acid-co-butyl acrylate)/DMF in aqueous solution. The effect of microgels content on morphologies, surface composition, and chemistry of the as-prepared membranes was studied by varieties of spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques. By using the filtration of water and protein aqueous solution, the performance of the membrane was evaluated. Results indicated that the as-prepared membrane was pH-sensitive to water flux, bovine serum albumin rejection and antifouling property. Besides, the as-prepared membrane showed an obvious improvement of water flux and proper bovine serum albumin rejection ratio, compared to the pristine PVDF membrane. Meanwhile, dynamic bovine serum albumin fouling resistance and flux recovery property were also greatly enhanced due to the improvement of surface hydrophilicity. Hopefully, the hydrophilic microgels additive would be favorable to fabricate other polymer membranes for water treatment. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.