PEG derived hydrogel: A novel synthesis route under mild condition

PEG derived hydrogels were synthesized by a novel synthesis route under mild condition. First, we synthesized a soluble linear copolymer by amino-terminated polyethylene glycol ATPEG and Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), named by p (ATPEG-co-PMDA). The copolymer with imide rings on the main chain can be soluble in most of solvents. Then, the imide-rings of the copolymer were open by amino groups of Butanediamine (BDA) under ambient condition to form cross-linking network. The cross-linking network can form in few minutes. The p (ATPEG-co-PMDA) and gels were characterized by 13 C NMR and FTIR. The gels swelled significantly in water, and co-continuous porous structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The ring-opening cross-linked reaction of p(ATPEG-co-PMDA) provided a simple, versatile approach to hydrogel network under mild condition without initiator, which have potential as biomaterials to apply in biomedical region.

► Novel PEG derivates with multifunctional groups on main chain were synthesized by polycondensation reaction.
► The multifunctional groups of PEG derivates were imide rings which can be open rapidly.
► This study provided an alternative, simple and rapid route to prepare PEG based hydrogel under mild condition.