Synthesis and Photopolymerization of Tween 20 Methacrylate/N-vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone Blends

► Tween 20 trimethacrylate (T3) was synthesized as photoactive precursor for hydrogels. ► T3 and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone gave though copolymer hydrogels on photopolymerization. ► Swelling ratios and swelling rates can be tuned by varying the T3 content. ► These hydrogels are excellent candidates for intervertebral disk repair.