Polyacrylamide gels are synthesized through the free-radical polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of a cross-linking agent, commonly N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS). The process can be initiated by chemical initiators such as ammonium persulfate (APS) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED). The degree of cross-linking can be controlled, offering tunable mechanical properties and porosity.
