Trans-4-nitrocinnamate (NC) pendant groups were covalently linked to gelatin (Gel) via amide bonding through gelatin’s primary amino groups. Upon 365 nm UV light irradiation on Gel-NC aqueous solutions, insoluble gelatin hydrogels were formed as a result of fast [2+2] photocycloaddition of the NC groups. This photocrosslinking approach together with reverse emulsification was utilized to prepare micro-sized gelatin hydrogels. Gel-NC and its hydrogels had low toxicity to human neonatal fibroblast cells.



Gattás-Asfura, K. M.; Weisman, E.; Andreopoulos, F. M.; Micic, M.; Muller, B.; Sirpal, S.; Pham, S. M.; Leblanc, R. M. Biomacromolecules 2005, 6, 1503-1509