Evaluation of the effectiveness of microparticle-embedded cryogel system in removal of 17β-estradiol from aqueous solution

In this study, we have synthesized microparticle-embedded cryogel system for removal of 17β-estradiol (E2). Firstly, the poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-tryptophan methyl ester) poly(HEMA-MATrp) microparticles were produced by emulsion polymerization. And then, poly(HEMA-MATrp) microparticles were embedded in poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel and [PHEMA/MATrp] cryogel system was prepared. [PHEMA/MATrp] cryogel system was used for the removal of E2. The characterization studies of the poly(HEMA-MATrp) microparticles and cryogel system were conducted by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and swelling studies. The effects of initial concentration, temperature, and contact time on adsorption of E2 were investigated. Maximum adsorption capacity of PHEMA/MATrp cryogel was determined as 2.75 mg E2/g cryogel at 25°C. The adsorption process obeyed both pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. All the isotherm d...