⟡ PEGDA 4000 / Hydrogel Crosslinkers / Biomaterials Research
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA 4000) is a hydrophilic bifunctional macromer containing terminal acrylate groups that enable rapid crosslinking through free-radical polymerization. Its polyethylene glycol backbone provides water solubility, flexibility, and biocompatibility, making PEGDA widely used in hydrogel systems, biomaterials research, photopolymerization, and advanced polymer engineering applications.
PEGDA 4000 is commonly selected for applications requiring tunable mechanical properties, controlled swelling behavior, and stable crosslinked polymer networks. The higher molecular weight of PEGDA 4000 supports softer hydrogel formation and flexible polymer architectures for biomedical, microfluidic, and materials science workflows.
Key Features & Benefits
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Bifunctional acrylate macromer: enables efficient UV and free-radical crosslinking
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Hydrophilic polymer backbone: supports water compatibility and hydrogel formation
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PEG-based material: widely used in biomaterials and soft polymer systems
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Tunable crosslink density: supports customizable swelling and stiffness properties
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High molecular weight PEGDA: suitable for flexible and compliant hydrogel networks
Product Details
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Product name: Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate (PEGDA 4000)
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Abbreviation: PEGDA
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Molecular weight: Approx. 4,000 Da
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Chemistry: Polyethylene glycol terminated with acrylate functional groups
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Polymerization mechanism: Free-radical and photopolymerization crosslinking
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Applications: Hydrogels, biofabrication, coatings, microfluidics, and biomaterials research
Typical Applications
Hydrogel formation
PEGDA 4000 is widely used to create hydrogels for tissue engineering, drug delivery research, wound dressing materials, and soft biomaterial systems.
3D printing & photopolymerization
Commonly incorporated into photocurable resin formulations for bioprinting, microfabrication, and precision polymer network design.
Microfluidics & lab-on-a-chip systems
PEGDA crosslinked matrices are used to fabricate membranes, microchannels, and soft lithography structures for analytical and biomedical devices.
Coatings & surface modification
Utilized in hydrophilic coatings and crosslinked polymer layers where water compatibility and controlled mechanical properties are required.
Functional Properties
The polyethylene glycol backbone contributes hydrophilicity, flexibility, and low protein adsorption characteristics, while the terminal acrylate groups allow rapid polymer network formation under UV or radical initiation conditions.
Compared to lower molecular weight PEGDA materials, PEGDA 4000 generally produces softer, more flexible hydrogel structures with larger mesh sizes and increased swelling capacity. These characteristics make it especially useful for soft biomaterials and diffusion-sensitive applications.
Why Use PEGDA 4000?
PEGDA 4000 is commonly selected for hydrogel and polymer engineering applications that require tunable crosslinking behavior, aqueous compatibility, and flexible material performance. Researchers frequently use PEGDA systems to control hydrogel stiffness, permeability, and swelling characteristics.
Its compatibility with photopolymerization methods and biofabrication workflows makes PEGDA 4000 a versatile material for advanced materials science, biomedical engineering, and soft polymer research.
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry environment protected from light and heat.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to minimize premature polymerization.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light and radical initiators.
- Use appropriate laboratory protective equipment during handling.
- Consult the SDS for complete handling and safety information.
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FAQ
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What is PEGDA 4000 used for?
PEGDA 4000 is commonly used in hydrogels, tissue engineering, biofabrication, microfluidics, coatings, and photocurable polymer systems.
What does PEGDA stand for?
PEGDA stands for poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, a bifunctional PEG-based macromer with terminal acrylate groups.
How does PEGDA crosslink?
PEGDA crosslinks through free-radical polymerization, often initiated using UV light and photoinitiators.
Why is PEGDA 4000 used in hydrogels?
The higher molecular weight of PEGDA 4000 helps produce softer, more flexible hydrogels with tunable swelling and mechanical properties.
Where can I buy PEGDA 4000?
Polysciences supplies PEGDA 4000 materials for hydrogel development, biomaterials research, and advanced polymer applications.
