Reply to the 'Comment on "Relating side chain organization of PNIPAm with its conformation in aqueous methanol"' by A. Pica and G. Graziano, , 2017, , DOI: 10.1039/C7SM01065F

We have recently proposed preferential binding by a cosolvent as the mechanism for chain collapse under co-non-solvency. Here we summarise our earlier works and provide further evidence that alcohol preferentially binds to PNIPAm, forming cosolvent bridges, and thus drives the transition. We also clarify some of the common misconceptions evoked in this debate with Pica and Graziano (PG), reinforcing the arguments of our earlier reply-comment [ Soft Matter , 2017, 13 , 2292] and published works. We address on scientific grounds issues raised by a comment on our article in Soft Matter , 2016, 12 , 7995, showing why requests to reinterpret our data do not hold.