Poloxamer

Poloxamer

Poloxamer, also known as Pluronic, is a class of nonionic surfactants that are widely used in various industries. It is a block copolymer composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO) blocks. Poloxamers are known for their unique properties, including their ability to form thermoreversible gels and their low toxicity.

History

Poloxamers were first developed in the 1950s by the pharmaceutical company BASF. Initially, they were primarily used as emulsifiers and solubilizers in the pharmaceutical industry. Over time, their applications expanded to other industries, such as cosmetics, personal care, and food.

Properties

Poloxamers are amphiphilic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions. This unique structure allows them to act as surfactants, reducing the surface tension between different substances. They are soluble in both water and organic solvents, making them versatile in various formulations.

One of the notable properties of poloxamers is their ability to form thermoreversible gels. These gels can undergo a sol-gel transition upon heating or cooling, which makes them suitable for applications such as controlled drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, poloxamers are widely used as excipients in drug formulations. They can improve the solubility and stability of poorly soluble drugs, enhance drug delivery, and control drug release. Poloxamers are also used as emulsifiers in topical creams and ointments.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Poloxamers find applications in cosmetics and personal care products due to their emulsifying and solubilizing properties. They are used in various formulations, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and creams. Poloxamers help stabilize emulsions, improve product texture, and enhance the delivery of active ingredients.

Food Industry

In the food industry, poloxamers are used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and texture modifiers. They can improve the texture and stability of food products, such as ice creams, sauces, and dressings. Poloxamers are also used in the production of edible films and coatings.

Safety and Regulations

Poloxamers are generally considered safe for use in various industries. They have a low toxicity profile and are well-tolerated by the human body. However, like any other chemical, they should be used in accordance with the recommended guidelines and regulations.

See Also

• Surfactant
• Block Copolymer
• Emulsifier
• Solubilizer
• Excipient