The present invention relates to copolymers made from a polymerization mixture comprising (a) one or more polymerizable monomers, which monomers are characterized as having at least one vinylic group and not containing an amino acid residue, (b) one or more not-functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (c) one or more functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (d) a free radical initiator and, optionally, (e) a chain-transfer-agent. It also relates to block copolymers comprising the same monomers. The invention also encompasses silicone hydrogel contact lenses coated with or comprising the latter copolymers and block copolymers as well methods for introducing the copolymers and block copolymers into silicone hydrogel contact lenses.