Formation of new, cytocompatible hydrogels based on photochemically crosslinkable levan methacrylates

Levan is a high molecular weight fructose-based biotechnologically available polysaccharide with a range of interesting properties qualifying this molecule for applications in biomedicine. In this study, new levan derivatives containing methacrylate groups attached either via ester or urethane linkages to the fructan backbone could be synthesized and structurally characterized by conventional analytical techniques. The photochemical crosslinking of these substances applying different photoinitiator systems and reaction conditions resulted in hydrogels of diverse properties which were investigated with regard to mechanical behaviour, hydrolytic degradability, and cytocompatibility. It was found that crosslinkable levan derivatives represent a new class of promising biopolymer-based macromers broadening the spectrum of available biomaterials to facilitate the adaption to the requirements of specific applications.