solution, the non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) gave between 49 and 74 %, depending
on their composition. Captured material was eluted and the recovery could be
calculated. Estradiol was recovered almost quantitatively.
When dealing with wastewater (water that had gone through the conventional
wastewater treatment process and was to be released to the recipient), the adsorbent
could also capture material via its artificial estradiol receptors. However, in this
case, there is a broad spectrum of compounds, not just one compound. Therefore,
the estradiol activity of the eluate was monitored, rather than identifying and
quantifying each and every compound. Because the compounds interacting with
the receptor have different “estradiol activities” this type of assay is more relevant.
A transformed strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used with an estradiol
receptor cloned and expressed in such a way that production of β-galactosidase
started when the receptor was stimulated. The activity of this enzyme could then be
correlated to the amount of estradiol activity present [113]. Figure 17 shows the
β-galactosidase activity expressed at different estradiol activities, and also the result
of eluate analysis after polishing treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment
plant in Lund municipality, Sweden [111].
11.1.3 Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides
Pharmaceuticals and pesticides also represent emerging pollutants present at low
concentration, but with potentially strong effects on living organisms. Such compounds can be treated in a similar way to that described for the hormone active
compounds [107].
12 Concluding Remarks
Cryogels in biotechnology represents something new–supermacroporous adsorbents in monolithic shape. These new gels do not fill all the demands that gels
have traditionally satisfied, but cryogels can offer some new possibilities. As time
goes by, improvements in capacity will be seen and then cryogels may also find use
in certain separation processes where capacity versus cycle time can be balanced
such that productivity governs the choice of gel.
It is furthermore clear that cryogels have certain advantages when particulate
matters are involved in the separation, and also when it comes to applications in
environmental technology.
That particles can be separated using cryogels has also opened a window for
separation of cells and other particulate matters. When cells are adsorbed to the
pore walls of a cryogel, then multipoint interaction takes place that may lead to
difficulties in releasing the captured cells. The chemo-mechanical approach, i.e.,
combining elution conditions with a mechanical deformation of the gel structure
274
B. Mattiasson
on their composition. Captured material was eluted and the recovery could be
calculated. Estradiol was recovered almost quantitatively.
When dealing with wastewater (water that had gone through the conventional
wastewater treatment process and was to be released to the recipient), the adsorbent
could also capture material via its artificial estradiol receptors. However, in this
case, there is a broad spectrum of compounds, not just one compound. Therefore,
the estradiol activity of the eluate was monitored, rather than identifying and
quantifying each and every compound. Because the compounds interacting with
the receptor have different “estradiol activities” this type of assay is more relevant.
A transformed strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used with an estradiol
receptor cloned and expressed in such a way that production of β-galactosidase
started when the receptor was stimulated. The activity of this enzyme could then be
correlated to the amount of estradiol activity present [113]. Figure 17 shows the
β-galactosidase activity expressed at different estradiol activities, and also the result
of eluate analysis after polishing treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment
plant in Lund municipality, Sweden [111].
11.1.3 Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides
Pharmaceuticals and pesticides also represent emerging pollutants present at low
concentration, but with potentially strong effects on living organisms. Such compounds can be treated in a similar way to that described for the hormone active
compounds [107].
12 Concluding Remarks
Cryogels in biotechnology represents something new–supermacroporous adsorbents in monolithic shape. These new gels do not fill all the demands that gels
have traditionally satisfied, but cryogels can offer some new possibilities. As time
goes by, improvements in capacity will be seen and then cryogels may also find use
in certain separation processes where capacity versus cycle time can be balanced
such that productivity governs the choice of gel.
It is furthermore clear that cryogels have certain advantages when particulate
matters are involved in the separation, and also when it comes to applications in
environmental technology.
That particles can be separated using cryogels has also opened a window for
separation of cells and other particulate matters. When cells are adsorbed to the
pore walls of a cryogel, then multipoint interaction takes place that may lead to
difficulties in releasing the captured cells. The chemo-mechanical approach, i.e.,
combining elution conditions with a mechanical deformation of the gel structure
274
B. Mattiasson