A Novel Route to α,ω ‐Bis(acrylamidopeptide)‐Terminated Oligo(ethylene oxide) and Hydrogels

Abstract

A new family of α,ω‐bis(acrylamidopeptide)‐terminated macromonomers were prepared via the ring‐opening addition of 4,4‐dimethyl‐2‐vinyl‐ and 2‐isopropenyl‐4,4‐dimethyl‐oxazol‐5‐on to α,ω‐diamine‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide). These macromonomers were used to produce hydrogels by means of thermally induced free‐radical polymerization. Swelling behavior and mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels were influenced by the macromonomer type and the crosslinking density, as reflected by the equilibrium water uptake.