New methacrylate-containing derivatives of hydroxyethyl starch

Modification of hydroxyethyl starch with glycidyl methacrylate in dimethylsulfoxide medium has resulted in the formation of the derivatives containing double C=C bonds capable of producing biocompatible hydrogels via the free-radical cross-linking. Structure of the glycidyl methacrylate derivatives has been elucidated by means of IR, UV, and NMR spectroscopy. Branching of the hydroxyethyl starch chains in the course of the interaction with glycidyl methacrylate has been observed and interpreted; the branching density has been determined. The influence of the substitution degree of the glycidyl methacrylate derivatives of hydroxyethyl starch on its melting point has been demonstrated.