Biocompatible macro-initiators controlling radical retention in microfluidic on-chip photopolymerization of water-in-oil emulsions

A series of water-soluble macro-initiators is synthesized to avoid radical loss in microfluidic on-chip photo cross-linking of hyaluronic acid methacrylate-containing water-in-oil emulsions. Their superior performance over known photo-initiators through the generation of water-soluble radicals and excellent biocompatibility are demonstrated.