the present invention relates to biocompatible crosslinked biomaterials made from polycondensation polymerization reactions involving polynucleophilic - polyelectrophilic precursors that address the limitations of steric hindrance , viscosity , and diffusion currently reducing gelation rates and curing thoroughness of the biomaterials . a cross - linking scheme is utilized in the invention that permits rapid gelation and thorough curing of the biomaterial . the biomaterial is made by polycondensation polymerization of polynucleophilic - polyelectrophilic precursors to form a water - soluble polymer crosslinked with a water - soluble crosslinker having at most one core cyclic structure .