Advanced Materials

PEG Dimethacrylates (PEGDMA)

High-Performance Crosslinkers for Durable Biomedical Networks

Enhanced Stability Dense Crosslinks Controlled Kinetics Superior Mechanics
Product Overview

Stable Polymeric Crosslinker

Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) is a biocompatible macromer with methacrylate end-groups, offering superior network stability, controlled polymerization, and enhanced mechanical properties for demanding biomedical applications.

Unlike acrylates, the methacrylate groups in PEGDMA provide slower, more controlled polymerization kinetics, making them ideal for thicker constructs and applications requiring high structural integrity.

Available Molecular Weights

Code MW (Da) Property
PEGDMA-1000 1000 High modulus, stiff networks
PEGDMA-2000 2000 Balanced strength & flexibility
PEGDMA-3400 3400 Moderate stiffness, swelling control
PEGDMA-6000 6000 Soft-moderate, cartilage mimetics
PEGDMA-10000 10000 Elastic, controlled degradation
PEGDMA-20000 20000 Ultra-soft, tissue-like stability
Core Features

Technical Advantages

Dense Networks

Higher crosslink density yields superior mechanical stability

Controlled Kinetics

Slower polymerization enables thick constructs and precise control

Enhanced Strength

Higher modulus and stiffness for load-bearing applications

Degradation Resistant

Slower hydrolysis for long-term implants and devices

Applications

Biomedical Use Cases

  • Tissue engineering scaffolds

    PEGDMA-based hydrogels and composite bioinks for bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration, including 3D printed constructs with bone-like mechanical properties.

  • 3D bioprinting & bioinks

    Photocurable component in extrusion and light-based bioprinting formulations to provide structural integrity, shape fidelity, and controlled stiffness while maintaining cell compatibility.

  • Drug delivery & controlled release systems

    Hydrophilic crosslinked networks for sustained drug release, where mesh size and degradation can be tuned to control diffusion and release profiles.

  • Dental and medical materials

    Component in dental composites, adhesives, and biomedical coatings to enhance durability, flexibility, and hydrophilic character.

  • Sensors, microfluidics, and coatings

    PEGDMA hydrogels as functional layers and molecular filters on electrochemical and microfluidic devices, controlling diffusion of analytes and protecting sensor surfaces.

Comparative Analysis

PEGDMA vs PEGDA Comparison

Choosing the right macromer for your specific application requirements.

Property PEGDMA PEGDA
Polymerization Rate Slower (controlled) Faster (rapid)
Crosslink Density Higher Lower
Mechanical Strength Higher modulus More elastic
Degradation Rate Slower (more stable) Faster
Best For Load-bearing, long-term Rapid prototyping, soft tissues
Quality Controls

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Chemical Formula CH₂=C(CH₃)COO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ-OOC(CH₃)=CH₂
End Groups Methacrylate (tertiary radicals)
Density ~1.07–1.18 g/cm³
Activation 365 nm (UV) or 405 nm (visible)
Storage -20°C, protect from light and moisture
Purity >95% (GPC, NMR verified)
Suggested Use

Recommended Photoinitiators

LAP

Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate

0.1-0.5 wt% 405 nm Cytocompatible
Irgacure 2959

Industry standard for FDA-studied networks

0.05-0.1 wt% 365 nm FDA-studied

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