Quantitative Contrasts in the Photopolymerization of Acrylamide and Methacrylamide‐Functionalized Gelatin Hydrogel Building Blocks

Abstract The synthesis and evaluation of gelatin acrylamide as an alternative to the well‐established gelatin methacrylamide are reported. High‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR is used for the quantitative determination of the chemical cross‐linking density. The gelatin acrylamide precursors reveal enhanced cross‐linking in terms of reactivity and double bond conversion, resulting in stronger networks. Remarkably, even at very low double bond conversions, ≈5%, gel fractions of ≈40% are obtained. The cross‐linked networks are also reviewed in the framework of the rubber elasticity and thermodynamic swelling theories to estimate important nanostructural properties. Preliminary cell tests revealed that highly viable (>90%) cell‐laden constructs are obtained.