Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to
provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a
single component having at least three reactive functional groups
thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in
an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment.
Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a
three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first
functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is
electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is
nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the
multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional
compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional
compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent
delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or
injury.