Poloxamer: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:50, 16 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Poloxamers are a class of synthetic block copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic block of polypropylene oxide (PPO) flanked by two hydrophilic blocks of polyethylene oxide (PEO). These copolymers are also known by the trade name Pluronic. The unique structure of poloxamers allows them to function as surfactants, emulsifiers, and solubilizing agents in various pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Poloxamers are characterized by their ABA block structure, where "A" represents the hydrophilic PEO block and "B" represents the hydrophobic PPO block. The general formula for a poloxamer is (PEO)x-(PPO)y-(PEO)x, where x and y denote the number of repeating units of each block. The molecular weight and the ratio of PEO to PPO can be varied to tailor the properties of the poloxamer for specific applications.

Properties[edit]

Poloxamers exhibit unique thermoreversible gelation properties. At low temperatures, they are typically liquid, but they can form gels at higher temperatures. This property is particularly useful in drug delivery systems, where the poloxamer can be injected as a liquid and then form a gel at body temperature, providing sustained release of the drug.

Applications[edit]

Poloxamers are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as excipients in drug formulations. They enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In addition, poloxamers are used in topical formulations, ophthalmic solutions, and as stabilizers in emulsions and suspensions.

In the industrial sector, poloxamers are used as detergents, dispersants, and emulsifiers. Their ability to stabilize emulsions makes them valuable in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Poloxamer ==
+{{DISPLAYTITLE: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.
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Poloxamere_General_Formula_V2.svg|thumb|right|General chemical structure of a poloxamer.]]
+Poloxamers are a class of synthetic block copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic block of [[polypropylene oxide]] (PPO) flanked by two hydrophilic blocks of [[polyethylene oxide]] (PEO). These copolymers are also known by the trade name Pluronic. The unique structure of poloxamers allows them to function as surfactants, emulsifiers, and solubilizing agents in various pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
-=== History ===
+== Chemical Structure ==
+Poloxamers are characterized by their ABA block structure, where "A" represents the hydrophilic PEO block and "B" represents the hydrophobic PPO block. The general formula for a poloxamer is (PEO)x-(PPO)y-(PEO)x, where x and y denote the number of repeating units of each block. The molecular weight and the ratio of PEO to PPO can be varied to tailor the properties of the poloxamer for specific applications.
-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 exhibit unique thermoreversible gelation properties. At low temperatures, they are typically liquid, but they can form gels at higher temperatures. This property is particularly useful in drug delivery systems, where the poloxamer can be injected as a liquid and then form a gel at body temperature, providing sustained release of the drug.
-=== Properties ===
+== Applications ==
+Poloxamers are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as excipients in drug formulations. They enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In addition, poloxamers are used in topical formulations, ophthalmic solutions, and as stabilizers in emulsions and suspensions.
-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.
+In the industrial sector, poloxamers are used as detergents, dispersants, and emulsifiers. Their ability to stabilize emulsions makes them valuable in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products.
-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.
-=== References ===
-<references />
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Surfactant]]
-* [[Block Copolymer]]
 * [[Emulsifier]]
-* [[Solubilizer]]
+* [[Polyethylene oxide]]
-* [[Excipient]]
+* [[Polypropylene oxide]]
+* [[Drug delivery system]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
+[[Category:Polymers]]
 [[Category:Surfactants]]
-[[Category:Pharmaceutical industry]]
+[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
-[[Category:Cosmetics]]
-[[Category:Food industry]]