SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF BETA-CYCLODEXTRIN-2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER AS A NOVEL ADSORBENT

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (0.01 mol) was allowed to react with 0.01 mol of hexamethylene di-isocyanate and the product was coupled to 0.01 mol of beta-cyclodextrin to form a new cyclodextrin-based copolymer. The interaction of the polymer with different steroids was investigate d and the extent of adsorption was in the order cholesterol > progeste rone > testosterone. The results indicate that the new polymer matrix could be used for the removal of steroids, particularly cholesterol, f rom a given medium. The polymer could also be used for sample purifica tion, such as the removal of progesterone from a mixture prior to its analysis by other analytical techniques. The preliminary results show that the polymer may have interesting clinical and analytical applicat ions.