Synthesis and properties of hydrogels based on collagen–pectin–methyl methacrylate copolymers synthesized in the presence of triethylborane

Collagen–pectin–methyl methacrylate copolymers were synthesized in an acetic acid dispersion in the presence of a triethylboron amine complex. The synthesis temperature was found to have little effect on the copolymer composition, while its morphology changed significantly. By using the amine complex in combination with p-quinone during the synthesis of collagen–pectin–methyl methacrylate copolymers, it was possible to vary the copolymer composition, the molecular weight of grafted polymethyl methacrylate, and the resulting morphology depending on the structure of the p-quinone used. Hydrogels based on the synthesized copolymers were formed in the presence of glutaric aldehyde. Their moisture-absorbing properties and stability in buffer solutions make them promising base materials for regenerative medicine. The absence of cytotoxicity and the stimulatory effect of the obtained materials on the growth of human dermal fibroblasts were demonstrated by the MTT assay. The analysis of biocidal activity indicates that collagen–pectin–methyl methacrylate hydrogels have a clear potential as fungusresistant bactericidal materials.