The invention relates to highly biocompatible or biophilic un-cross-linked or cross-linked polymers comprising one or more side-chain active acrylic amino acids of formula I. The invention further concerns various highly biocompatible, cross-linked co-polymers comprising one or more monomers of formula I, and one or more other polymerizable monomers. Uses of such polymers and co-polymers for the production of contact lenses, intraocular lenses, implants, wound healing slabs, additives for food and cosmetics, conductive plastics, spinnable fibers, and the like are disclosed.
