PRODUCTS

POLOXAMER 188

Poloxamer 188 used as wetting agents, as emulsifiers and solubilizers
Poloxamer 188 improves the solubility, abosoption and bioavailabiity of low-solubility actives.
Poloxamer 188 is also used for hot-melt and spray-drying processes.

CAS Number: 9003-11-6
EC Number: Often linked with 232-089-9 in cosmetic inventories (EINECS)
IUPAC / Class: Poly(ethylene-co-propylene) glycol block copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO triblock)
Molecular Type: Nonionic surfactant, PEG-PPO-PEG triblock copolymer

SYNONYMS:
Kolliphor P 188, Kolliphor P188, Pluronic® F68, Pluronic F-68, Lutrol F 68, Vepoloxamer, Pluracare F 68, Poloxalene, Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol block copolymer, Poloxamer 188, Mayer /Kang Du Qing Cybercy, Pluronic F 68, Pluronic F68, Poloxalkol, Poloxamer-188, RefChem:8568, Shur Clens Skin Wound Cleanser 24 Count Single Dose Ampules, Kolliphor p 188, Kolliphor p188, LQA7B6G8JG, Lutrol f 68, Lutrol f68, Pluracare f 68, Pluronic f68lf, Poloxamer 188lf, Polykol 188s, Poloxamer F68s, Pluronic, Pluronic F68s, Poloxalkols, Poloxamer 188s, Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), Lutrol, Monolan, Pluronic, poloxalkol, poloxamera, polyethylene-propylene glycol copolymer, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer, Supronic, Synperonic

Poloxamer 188 is a synthetic big copolymer molecule that is used as a solubilizer, mild cleansing agent and foam booster or stabilizer.
Poloxamer 188 is consistent batch-to-batch performance is critical for dependable biomanufacturing.
Poloxamer 188 is well-known surfactant with a longstanding history of use as an excipient in pharmaceutical drugs.

One persistent challenge in the market has been the search for reliable manufacturers of poloxamer 188 with the ability to produce consistent, reproducible materials, with dependable outcomes in biomanufacturing processes.
HLB value of Poloxamer 188 is >24.

Poloxamer 188 is nonionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymers used primarily in pharmaceutical formulations as emulsifying or solubilizing agents.
Poloxamer 188 is flexible excipient to overcome a wide range of pharmaceutical challenges that provide formulators with increased efficiency and added functionality.

Poloxamer 188 is a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block polymer.
Poloxamer 188 (100X) is an aqueous stock solution of the nonionic triblock copolymer surfactant poloxamer 188 (also known as Pluronic F-68).
Poloxamer 188 is supplied as a 100-fold concentrate for dilution into culture media and buffers.

Poloxamer 188 is a nonionic block linear copolymer that exhibits rheologic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities in various tissue injury models.
Composed of two hydrophilic side-chains attached to a hydrophobic center core, Poloxamer 188's average molecular weight is 8400 Daltons.

Poloxamer 188 was originally approved by the FDA in the 1960s as a therapeutic agent to reduce viscosity in the blood before transfusions, however it is no longer available in any approved products.
Poloxamer 188 is also known by its other names such as Pluronic F68 and Vepoloxamer.

Poloxamer 188 was originally approved by the FDA in the 1960s as a therapeutic agent to reduce viscosity in the blood before transfusions, however it is no longer available in any approved products.
Poloxamer 188 (also known as P-188) is a nonionic triblock copolymer surfactant made of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO) blocks arranged as PEO-PPO-PEO.

Poloxamer 188 is a non-ionic surfactant used to control shear forces in suspension cultures, reduce foaming in stirred cultures, and minimize cell attachment to glass surfaces.
Poloxamer 188 comes as a 10% solution, sterile-filtered and ready for use in cell culture applications.

USES and APPLICATIONS of POLOXAMER 188:
In the biomanufacturing space, Poloxamer 188 finds application not only as a surfactant for parenteral biological formulations, but also in mammalian cell culture as a shear stress protectant.
Poloxamer 188 can be used as an emulsifier and solubilizer, as a dispersing and wetting agent for solid dispersions and also to improve solubility, absorption and bioavailability of poorly soluble actives.

Poloxamer 188 also is utilized as a co-emulsifier in creams, emulsions and as a suspension stabilizer and tablet lubricant.
As dissolution enhancer, lubricant and wetting agent Poloxamer 188 is particularly suitable for wet granulation.
Poloxamer 188 used as wetting agents, as emulsifiers and solubilizers

Poloxamer 188 improves the solubility, abosoption and bioavailabiity of low-solubility actives
Aqueous solution containing more than 20% concentraion are themoreversible viscosity
Poloxamer 188 is also used for hot-melt and spray-drying processes.

Poloxamers are non-ionic and less irritating upon appliaiton.
Poloxamer 188 is an poloxamer that enables and enhances a wide range of functional applications.
For instant and modified release applications, Poloxamer 188 can act as a stabilizer in oral suspensions.

In formulations that include poorly soluble actives, Poloxamer 188 can improve solubility, absorption and bioavailability.
Corresponding dosage forms can then be processed by melting or granulation.
Poloxamer 188 serves as a plasticizing agent, a solubilizer and an emulsifier, supporting both solid and liquid dispersions, as well as emulsions and micro-emulsions.

Poloxamer 188 can also act as a co-emulsifier in creams and emulsions for skin delivery applications.
Poloxamer 188 is commonly used as a media and buffer additive in mammalian cell culture, microbial fermentation, and downstream processing, including workflows involving yeasts and E. coli.

Prepare working solutions by aseptic dilution into the desired matrix.
Poloxamer 188 is nonionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymers used primarily in pharmaceutical formulations as emulsifying or solubilizing agents.

Poloxamer 188 is hydrophilic while the polyoxypropylene segment is hydrophobic.
All of the poloxamers are chemically similar in composition, differing only in the relative amounts of propylene and ethylene oxides added during manufacture.

Their physical and surface-active properties vary over a wide range and a number of different types are commercially available.
Poloxamers are used as emulsifying agents in intravenous fat emulsions, and as solubilizing and stabilizing agents to maintain the clarity of elixirs and syrups.

Poloxamers may also be used as wetting agents; in ointments, suppository bases, and gels; and as tablet binders and coatings.
Poloxamer 188 has also been used as an emulsifying agent for fluorocarbons used as artificial blood substitutes, and in the preparation of solid-dispersion systems.

More recently, poloxamers have found use in drug-delivery systems.
Therapeutically, poloxamer 188 is administered orally as a wetting agent and stool lubricant in the treatment of constipation; it is usually used in combination with a laxative such as danthron.

Poloxamers may also be used therapeutically as wetting agents in eye-drop formulations, in the treatment of kidney stones, and as skin-wound cleansers.
Due to its sufactant properties, Poloxamer 188 may also be found in over-the-counter (OTC) products such as toothpaste, laxatives and mouthwash, and used in various cosmetic, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

There is an evidence of Poloxamer 188 increasing the structural stability and resealing of the plasma membrane via direct incorporation into the phospholipid bilayer.
The ability of Poloxamer 188 in attenuating membrane damage and cell injury has been demonstrated in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models.

The use of Poloxamer 188 as a potential treatment in different pathological conditions, such as chronic microvascular diseases and skeletal muscle deficiencies, is under investigation.
Vepoloxamer is a purified form of the non-ionic polyoxypropylene-based copolymer poloxamer 188 comprised of a hydrophobic core with hydrophilic side chains, with cytoprotective, hemorrheologic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and fibrinolytic activities.

Although the exact mechanism of action is not fully elucidated, upon intravenous administration, the hydrophobic polyoxypropylene core of vepoloxamer reversibly adheres to hydrophobic sites of damaged cell membranes, thereby fully covering the damaged sites.
This prevents the attachment of other hydrophobic molecules, cell leakage of contents, such as ions, and restores the integrity of the damaged cell.

Binding of vepoloxamer to damaged cells in the blood vessel walls, prevents cell aggregation and improves blood flow.
By occupying damaged sites, Poloxamer 188 also prevents inflammatory processes, inhibits thrombosis, and induces fibrinolysis.
As the hydrophobic region of the lipid cell membrane is not exposed in healthy cells, vepoloxamer does not adhere to healthy cells.

Poloxamer 188 is a widely used surfactant that allows oil and water to be finely mixed - helping form stable products as well as deep cleanse the skin.
Poloxamer 188 also aids in the generation of foam for a better cleansing experience.

Further, Poloxamer 188 is a good antimicrobial agent that keeps the formulations well preserved.
Poloxamer 188 can occur as a colorless liquid/paste or as a white solid.
The chemical name of Poloxamer 188 is a-Hydro-o-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly(oxypropylene) poly-(oxyethylene) block copolymer and it is commonly added to products like shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and eye makeup removers.

Due to its sufactant properties, Poloxamer 188 may also be found in over-the-counter (OTC) products such as toothpaste, laxatives and mouthwash, and used in various cosmetic, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
There is an evidence of Poloxamer 188 increasing the structural stability and resealing of the plasma membrane via direct incorporation into the phospholipid bilayer.

The ability of Poloxamer 188 in attenuating membrane damage and cell injury has been demonstrated in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models.
The use of Poloxamer 188 as a potential treatment in different pathological conditions, such as chronic microvascular diseases and skeletal muscle deficiencies, is under investigation.

Poloxamer 188 is widely used as a surfactant, emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, excipient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial formulations.
Poloxamer 188 is a non-ionic surfactant used to control shear forces in suspension cultures, reduce foaming in stirred cultures, and minimize cell attachment to glass surfaces.

Poloxamer 188 is widely utilized to protect cells in suspension from damage during processes such as transfer, freezing, thawing, and stirring.
Poloxamer 188's ability to stabilize cell membranes and reduce surface tension helps cell viability and integrity, particularly in mammalian cell cultures, including translational and clinical research applications.

WHAT IS POLOXAMER 188 USED FOR?
Poloxamer 188 can be known as the “detergent ingredient” for the skin and hair due to its effective cleansing and foaming properties.
Poloxamer 188 allows water to mix well with oil and dirt present on the surface of the skin/scalp and wash it away - leaving it fresh and spotless.

Using this property, Poloxamer 188 further helps form stable products by reducing the surface tension of liquids and keeping oil and water-based ingredients combined.
Additionally, Poloxamer 188 is a powerful anti-microbial agent that prevents their growth and in turn, extends the shelf life of products.
In cosmetics, Poloxamer 188 can act as a lubricant and humectant to keep the makeup from caking and the skin from drying.

ORIGIN of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer 188 is a synthetic polymer that consists of a hydrophobic polyoxypropylene core flanked by hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains.
Poloxamer 188 is synthesized through the ethoxylation of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.
First, propylene oxide polymerizes to form the polyoxypropylene core.

Then, ethylene oxide is added to both ends, creating the hydrophilic chains.
This process results in a block copolymer with unique surfactant properties.
The chemical formula of Poloxamer 188 is C5H10O2.

WHAT DOES POLOXAMER 188 DO IN A FORMULATION?
*ANTIMICROBIAL
*CLEANSING
*FOAM BOOSTING
*FOAMING
*HUMECTANT
*PRESERVATIVE
*SURFACTANT

SAFETY PROFILE of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer 188 is safe and non-toxic when used within the recommended guidelines.
Poloxamer 188 is generally well tolerated by most skin and hair types and does not have any reported side effects.
A patch test can be performed before use for added safety.

ALTERNATIVES of POLOXAMER 188:
*POLYSORBATE 80
*PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
*SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

KEY FEATURES of POLOXAMER 188:
Animal origin-free—Poloxamer 188 is suitable for applications requiring non-animal derived components
Sterile-filtered solution—Poloxamer 188 is ready-for-use in your cell culture applications
Manufacturing quality—cGMP-compliant under the ISO 13485 standard

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POLOXAMER 188:
*Appearance & Physical State:
Poloxamer 188 is a white to slightly yellowish solid or waxy powder

*Molecular Weight:
Approx. ~8,000-8,400 g/mol (varies with specific polymer length)

*Melting Point:
~50-61 °C (typical range reported)

*Flash Point:
~260 °C (high, typical for polymeric materials)

*Solubility:
Freely soluble in water (opalescent solution when dissolved)
Soluble in ethanol
Insoluble in diethyl ether and fatty oils

*Density:
~1.05-1.06 g/cm³ (25 °C)

*pH:
~5-7.5 for aqueous solutions (10 g/L at 20 °C)

*Physical Behavior:
Amphiphilic polymer — Poloxamer 188 is hydrophilic PEO chains + hydrophobic PPO core
Poloxamer 188 shows micellization and liquid-to-gel transitions above critical concentrations/temperatures
Some grades are hygroscopic and can adsorb water at high humidity.

FUNCTION of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer 188 is an oil-in-water emulsifier, an ingredient that enables the formation of an emulsion.
Poloxamer 188 is an emulsion is a physicochemical compound created by combining (mixing) a water phase with an oil phase.

Examples of cosmetic emulsions include creams, milks, and balms.
Poloxamer 188 acts as a rheological modifier (improving consistency by increasing viscosity) in cleansing preparations containing anionic surfactants, thanks to the formation of so-called mixed micelles.

Poloxamer 188 is also used as a solvent for hydrophilic substances contained in cosmetics.
Cosmetic effect:
Cleansing substance – removes impurities from the surface of the skin and hair.

SECURITY of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer 188 ingredient safety is safe for use in cosmetic products.
Poloxamer 188 has been dermatologically tested and is very gentle on the skin and mucous membranes.
In its 2015 report, the CIR confirmed that Poloxamer 188 is safe for use in cosmetic products.

FUNCTION(S) OF THIS INGREDIENT IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*SURFACTANT - EMULSIFIER
Poloxamer 188 allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions).

*SURFACTANT - CLEANER
Surfactant for cleaning skin, hair and/or teeth.

ORIGIN of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer 188 is synthetic (The information may reflect only the status at the initial entry of this ingredient in the corresponding INCI dictionary; technological progress may have added new manufacturing options based on substances of different origin).

SOURCE AND PREPARATION of POLOXAMER 188:
Poloxamer polymers are prepared by reacting propylene oxide with propylene glycol to form polyoxypropylene glycol.
Ethylene oxide is then added to form the block copolymer.

POLOXAMERS
Poloxamers are nonionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (poly(propylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)).
The word poloxamer was coined by BASF inventor, Irving Schmolka, who received the patent for these materials in 1973.

Poloxamers are also known by the trade names Pluronic, Kolliphor (pharma grade), and Synperonic.
Because the lengths of the polymer blocks can be customized, many different poloxamers exist that have slightly different properties.

For the generic term poloxamer, these copolymers are commonly named with the letter P (for poloxamer) followed by three digits: the first two digits multiplied by 100 give the approximate molecular mass of the polyoxypropylene core, and the last digit multiplied by 10 gives the percentage polyoxyethylene content (e.g. P407 = poloxamer with a polyoxypropylene molecular mass of 4000 g/mol and a 70% polyoxyethylene content).

For the Pluronic and Synperonic tradenames, coding of these copolymers starts with a letter to define its physical form at room temperature (L = liquid, P = paste, F = flake (solid)) followed by two or three digits,

The first digit (two digits in a three-digit number) in the numerical designation, multiplied by 300, indicates the approximate molecular weight of the hydrophobe; and the last digit x 10 gives the percentage polyoxyethylene content (e.g., L61 indicates a polyoxypropylene molecular mass of 1800 g/mol and a 10% polyoxyethylene content).
In the example given, poloxamer 181 (P181) = Pluronic L61 and Synperonic PE/L 61.

WHAT IS IT?
Poloxamers (Poloxamer 101, Poloxamer 105, Poloxamer 108, Poloxamer 122, Poloxamer 123, Poloxamer 124, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 182, Poloxamer 183, Poloxamer 184, Poloxamer 185, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 212, Poloxamer 215, Poloxamer 217, Poloxamer 231, Poloxamer 234, Poloxamer 235, Poloxamer 237, Poloxamer 238, Poloxamer 282, Poloxamer 284, Poloxamer 288, Poloxamer 331, Poloxamer 333, Poloxamer 334, Poloxamer 335, Poloxamer 338, Poloxamer 401, Poloxamer 402, Poloxamer 403, Poloxamer 407, Poloxamer 105 Benzoate, Poloxamer 182 Dibenzoate) are polymers made of a block of polyoxyethylene, followed by a block of polyoxypropylene, followed by a block of polyoxyethylene.
The average number of units of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene varies based on the number associated with the polymer.
For example, the smallest polymer, Poloxamer 101, consists of a block with an average of 2 units of polyoxyethylene, a block with an average of 16 units of polyoxypropylene, followed by a block with an average of 2 units of polyoxyethylene.
Poloxamers range from colorless liquids and pastes to white solids.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Poloxamers are used in the formulation of skin cleansers, bath products, shampoos, hair conditioners, mouthwashes, eye makeup remover and other skin and hair products.

WHY IS IT USED?
Poloxamers help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified and help other ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve.
They also clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away.
Poloxamer 188 kills microorganisms, or prevents or inhibits their growth and reproduction.
Poloxamer 182 Dibenzoate acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance.

SCIENTIFIC FACTS
Many Poloxamers dissolve in water and form gels.
These gels revert to liquid when the temperature is lowered and then reform as gels when the temperature is increased.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of POLOXAMER 188:
IUPAC / Class: Poly(ethylene-co-propylene) glycol block copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO triblock)
Common Name: Poloxamer 188
CAS Number: 9003-11-6
EC Number: Often linked with 232-089-9 in cosmetic inventories (EINECS)
Molecular Type: Nonionic surfactant, PEG-PPO-PEG triblock copolymer
Appearance & Physical State: White to slightly yellowish solid or waxy powder
Molecular Weight: Approx. ~8,000-8,400 g/mol (varies with specific polymer length)
Melting Point: ~50-61 °C (typical range reported)

Flash Point: ~260 °C (high, typical for polymeric materials)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water (opalescent solution when dissolved)
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol
Solubility: Insoluble in diethyl ether and fatty oils
Density: ~1.05-1.06 g/cm³ (25 °C)
pH: ~5-7.5 for aqueous solutions (10 g/L at 20 °C)
Physical Behavior: Amphiphilic polymer — hydrophilic PEO chains + hydrophobic PPO core
Physical Behavior: Shows micellization and liquid-to-gel transitions above critical concentrations/temperatures
Physical Behavior: Some grades are hygroscopic and can adsorb water at high humidity.

CAS Number: 9003-11-6
EC/EINECS: 232-089-9 (COSING)
Physical Form: White waxy powder
Solubility: Water & ethanol soluble
Density: ~1.05-1.06 g/cm³
Melting point: ~50-61 °C
Polymer Type: PEO-PPO-PEO triblock
Uses: Surfactant, emulsifier, excipient, stabilizer
Concentration: provided at 10%, effective at a working concentration of 0.1%

Osmolality: 65–105 mOsm/kg
pH: 5.0–7.5
Sterility: sterile-filtered, tested using current edition of USP
Performance assay: each lot tested for ability to support growth of 293-F cells in FreeStyle 293 Expression Medium
Form: liquid
Physical state: solid
Color: white
Odor: No data available

Melting point/freezing point: 52 °C
Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
Flash point: No data available
Autoignition temperature: 290 °C
Decomposition temperature: No data available
pH: No data available

Viscosity:
Viscosity, kinematic: No data available
Viscosity, dynamic: No data available
Water solubility: 100 g/l at 20 °C - soluble
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
Bioaccumulation is not expected.
Vapor pressure: No data available
Density: No data available

Relative density: No data available
Relative vapour density: No data available
Particle characteristics: No data available
Explosive properties: Not classified as explosive.
Oxidizing properties: none
Other safety information
Bulk density: 1.050 kg/m3
Boiling Point: >149°C
Melting Point: 52°C

Solubility: Soluble in water
Viscosity: Moderate
Category: Dispersant; Emulsifier; Solubilizer; Lubricant; Humectant
Molecular Formula: HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH
Grade: Pharmceutical Excipients
Description: Poloxamers generally occur as white, waxy, free-flowing prilled granules, or as cast solids.
They are practically odorless and tasteless.
UNII: LQA7B6G8JG
Chemical Name: a-Hydro-o-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly(oxypropylene) poly-(oxyethylene) block copolymer
CAS Number: 9003-11-6

FIRST AID MEASURES of POLOXAMER 188:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of POLOXAMER 188:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of POLOXAMER 188:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of POLOXAMER 188:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of POLOXAMER 188:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of POLOXAMER 188:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available