Application of molecularly imprinted polymer as a drug retaining matrix

Copolymerization by gamma irradiation of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of hydrocortisone as model drug gave a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP). The hydrocortisone was removed from the matrix with chloroform and incorporated again from methanol solution. Release data show that 96% of the incorporated drug is retained after 30 days storage in a methanol/water (3:1 v/v) mixture. In comparison with hydrocortisone, only a small quantity of testosterone is absorbed by the matrix.