Cyclodextrin polymers for ibuprofen extraction in aqueous solution: recovery, separation, and characterization

Novel cyclodextrin polymers prepared by using citric acid as cross-linked agent were employed for removal of ibuprofen from aqueous solution; five insoluble cyclodextrin polymers with different cyclodextrin types were used. Adsorption tests were carried out, with experimental apparatus consisting of a continuous up flow column. Results of adsorption experiments showed that these polymers exhibited high adsorption capacities toward ibuprofen. Studies concerning the effect of several operating variables (i.e. the effects of contact time, ibuprofen concentration, and mass of adsorbent, pH, and ionic strength) are presented and discussed. Moreover, the extraction of ibuprofen has been studied alone and in a mixture of two pharmaceuticals, and the extraction mechanism was investigated by using numerous methods of characterization.