Polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble
polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with
chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric
component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked
at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking
agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at
least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent
bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.
