SYNTHESIS AND SWELLING CHARACTERIZATIONS OF A POLY(GAMMA-GLUTAMIC ACID) HYDROGEL

Natural, biosynthesized poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) was cros slinked using dihalogenoalkanes yielding hydrogels with various featur es. Crosslinking reactions of the polymer and swelling of the hydrogel s were studied. Various reaction parameters, like temperature and cata lyst content, were adjusted to give highest yields in the network prod uction. Swelling of the hydrogels showed dramatic changes when varying experimental conditions such as the molecular weight of gamma-PGA, th e nature and concentration of the crosslinker, and the solution used f or the swelling (ionic strength, pH). (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.