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POLYSORBATE 20 (TWEEN 20)

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) consists of a sorbitan (sorbitol) backbone esterified with lauric acid, which is then reacted with ethylene oxide to form the polyoxyethylene portion.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)s chemical formula is typically C24H50O6, with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units attached to the sorbitan.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is primarily used to stabilize emulsions, helping to mix water and oil-based ingredients that would otherwise separate. 

CAS Number: 9005-64-5
Molecular Formula: C26H50O10
Molecular Weight: 522.6692
EINECS Number: 500-018-3

Synonyms: Tween 20, 9005-64-5, 2-[2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)oxolan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl dodecanoate, 1052273-76-3, 9005-66-7, PEG-80 Sorbitan laurate, Sorbimacrogol laurate 300, 2-{2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)oxolan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy}ethyl dodecanoate, 2-(2-(3,4-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl dodecanoate, 2-[2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl dodecanoate, Alkest TW 20, tween (R) 20, Tween 20 (TN), Tween 40 (TN), Tween 60 (TN), SCHEMBL118527, POE (6) sorbitol monolaurate, POE(20) sorbitan monolaurate, CHEMBL371631, POE (20) sorbitan monolaurate, DTXSID60922815, HMFKFHLTUCJZJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N, MFCD00165986, E432, NS00013950, D05565, D05566, D05567, 2-(2-(3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyldodecanoate, 2-{2-[3,4-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydro-2-furanyl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy}ethyl dodecanoate, Polisorbate 20- PS 20;Tween 20 (Trademark of ICI America, Inc.);Tween 20 ;Tween 20 1LT;Twain 20;TWEEN(R) 20 Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 40%;ACRYL/BIS 37.5:1 PREMIXED PWD ULTRA PURE;TWEEN 20 ELECTROPHORESIS GRADE

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a non-ionic surfactant that is widely used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations, food and cosmetic industries.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) solution has been used in phospho-buffered saline (PBS) solution for washing tissues.

Although a number of studies have showed its non-toxic impacts on target cells, still, it is essential to investigate its effect on target cells.
Therefore, in the present study, the anti-cell proliferation and cyto/genotoxicity effects of Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) are reported to address the possible mechanism for induction of apoptosis.
At 40%–50% confluency, A549 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) at a recommended concentration for 24 h.

After 24 h, to detect apoptosis and DNA damage, the treated cells were subjected to 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled annexin V flow cytometry, DAPI staining, comet, and DNA ladder assays.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant formed by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate. 
Its stability and relative nontoxicity allows it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier in a number of domestic, scientific, and pharmacological applications. 

As the name implies, the ethoxylation process leaves the molecule with 20 repeat units of polyethylene glycol; in practice these are distributed across 4 different chains, leading to a commercial product containing a range of chemical species.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used as a wetting agent in flavored mouth drops such as Ice Drops, helping to provide a spreading feeling to other ingredients like SD alcohol and mint flavor.
The World Health Organization has suggested acceptable daily intake limits of 0–25 mg of polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters per kg body weight.

It reduces the surface tension between the two phases.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) lowers the surface tension of liquids, allowing better spreading of ingredients.
It is effective in dissolving hydrophobic (water-insoluble) compounds, making them easier to disperse in aqueous solutions.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in lotions, creams, and serums to improve texture and provide smooth application. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) helps ingredients like essential oils and active compounds blend into formulations.
Common in shampoos and conditioners to emulsify oils and other active ingredients, ensuring even distribution and improved texture.

Found in makeup products like foundations, eye shadows, and mascaras for better consistency and ease of application.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) decreased the growth of treated cells dose and time dependently, and single-strand DNA cleavage has been confirmed by comet assay.

In addition, morphological alteration of DAPI-stained cells showed clear fragmentation in the chromatin and DNA rings within the nucleus of Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) treated cells.
In addition, flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation assays confirmed DAPI staining assay results and indicated the occurrence of a programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the treated cells.
These results demonstrate that, despite consideration of Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) as a safe non-ionic surfactant, it can induce apoptosis in target cells.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a non-ionic detergent; useful for removal of peripheral membrane proteins.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant formed by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)'s stability and relative nontoxicity allows it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier in a number of domestic, scientific, and pharmacological applications.

As the name implies the ethoxylation process leaves the molecule with 20 repeat units of polyethylene glycol; in practice these are distributed across 4 different chains, leading to a commercial product containing a range of chemical species.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides with edible commercial oleic acid and condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol and its anhydrides.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) contains a minimum of 65% of oxyethylene groups, equivalent to not less than 96.5% of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate on the anhydrous basis and less than 3% water.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a non-ionic detergent for solubilizing membrane proteins without altering biological activity.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is widely applied in biological techniques and sciences, which can be added to buffers and reagents for immunohistochemistry, such as Western blots and ELISAs, helping to prevent non-specific antibody binding, decrease background staining and enhance reagent spreading. 

Besides, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) also has applications in food production as a common food grade additive which are found in many consumables on the market today.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a polymer composed of PEG-ylated sorbitan, where the total number of poly(ethylene glycol) units is 20 (w + x + y + z = 20) and a single terminal is capped by a dodecanoyl group. 
It is a surfactant and emulsifier used in cleaners and personal care products.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) solution has been used in phospho-buffered saline (PBS) solution for washing tissues.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) can also be used as a wetting agent in flavored mouth drops such as Ice Drops, in oral or non-gastrointestinal suspensions and in rubber balers in the elastomer industry.
It is a member of the polysorbate family, which also includes Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and others. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is derived from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) that is esterified with lauric acid (a fatty acid) and then reacted with ethylene oxide to form a polyoxyethylene chain.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is prepared by condensing the partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with ethylene oxide to effect an oxyethylene copolymerization at the free hydroxyl groups.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), whose common commercial names includes Alkest TW 20, is a mild nonionic surfactant formed by the ethoxylation of sorbitan before the addition of lauric acid which is a medium-chain fatty acid found mainly in coconut oil. 

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is allowed to be used as the emulsifier, detergent, dispersant, solvent and stabilizer, etc. in a number of fields such as pharmaceutical, chemical, food, textile and other industries due to its stability and relative non-toxicity.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifying agent. 

Melting point: 98.9 °C (decomp)
Boiling point: 100 °C
Density: 1.11 g/mL at 20 °C
vapor pressure: <1.4 hPa (20 °C)
FEMA: 2915 | POLYSORBATE 20
refractive index: n20/D 1.468(lit.)
Flash point: >230 °F
storage temp.: Store below +30°C.
solubility: 100 g/L
form: viscous liquid
color: Amber
Specific Gravity: 1.090~1.130 (20/20℃)
PH: 6-8 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
PH Range: 7
Odor: mild alcohol odor
Odor Type: alcoholic
Water Solubility: 100 g/L
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): 16.7
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS): POLYSORBATE 20
EWG's Food Scores: 3-8

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in many brands of baby wipes.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used by philatelists to remove stamps from envelopes and to remove residues from stamps, without harming the stamp itself.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is also used as wetting agent in rubber balers in the elastomer industry.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) has been used as a shape directing agent to synthesize spheroidal magnetite nanoassemblies.
In biological techniques and sciences, polysorbate 20 has a broad range of applications. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used as a solubilizing agent of membrane proteins Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate is used for lysing mammalian cells, at a concentration of 0.05% to 0.5% v/v, generally combined with other detergents, salts and additives.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical applications to stabilize emulsions and suspensions.
For example, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used: as a washing agent in immunoassays, such as Western blots and ELISAs. 
It helps to prevent non-specific antibody binding. 

In this major application, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is dissolved in Tris-buffered saline or phosphate buffered saline at dilutions of 0.05% to 0.5% v/v. 
These buffers are used for washes between each immunoreaction, to remove unbound immunologicals, and eventually for incubating solutions of immunoreagents (labeled antibodies) to reduce nonspecific background.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in pharmaceutical products, including oral and topical formulations, to aid in the solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs and improve their bioavailability.

It is used in the food industry to help mix oils and water in products like salad dressings, sauces, and ice creams. 
It helps achieve smooth textures and maintain consistency.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used to dissolve and stabilize flavors, fragrances, and essential oils in food and beverages.

It may be included in cell culture formulations to stabilize and disperse hydrophobic substances or improve the growth conditions of certain cell types.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) can be found in cleaning and detergent formulations to enhance the cleaning power and improve the spreadability of the product.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in food products within specified limits.

In cosmetics and personal care products, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is considered non-toxic and non-irritating, although allergic reactions can occur in some individuals.
As with other chemicals, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)'s essential to use Polysorbate 20 within recommended concentrations and follow safety guidelines to avoid adverse effects like skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used as a washing agent in immunoassays.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) helps to prevent non-specific antibody binding.
In this major application, Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is dissolved in Tris-buffered saline or phosphate buffered saline at dilutions of 0.05% to 0.5% v/v.
These buffers are used for washes between each immunoreaction, to remove unbound immunologicals, and eventually for incubating solutions of immunoreagents (labeled antibodies) to reduce nonspecific background.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used to saturate binding sites on surfaces (i.e., to coat polystyrene microplates, generally combined with proteins such as BSA).
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used to stabilize proteins purified protein derivative (PPD) solution used in skin testing for tuberculosis exposure.

Uses Of Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20):
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in many brands of baby wipes.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used by philatelists to remove stamps from envelopes and to remove residues from stamps, without harming the stamp itself.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is also used as wetting agent in rubber balers in the elastomer industry.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) has been used as a shape directing agent to synthesize spheroidal magnetite nanoassemblies.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is commonly used in lotions, creams, and serums to mix oil and water-based ingredients, helping to create stable emulsions and smooth textures.
It is included in moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging products to ensure that active ingredients are evenly distributed and well-integrated into the formulation.

Found in shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums, Polysorbate 20 helps to evenly disperse oils, active ingredients, and conditioners, improving the consistency and texture of the products.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in makeup products such as foundations, eye shadows, mascaras, and lipsticks to improve the smoothness and application of the products. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) helps disperse pigments and maintain a stable texture.

It is used in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic (water-insoluble) drugs, ensuring better bioavailability when administered.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is included in both oral and injectable drug formulations, where it helps stabilize and solubilize drugs, improving their stability and delivery.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used in creams, ointments, and gels to help incorporate hydrophobic ingredients into the formulation, ensuring effective application and absorption.

It is widely used in food products, including salad dressings, sauces, mayonnaise, ice cream, and beverages, to stabilize emulsions and prevent separation of ingredients like water and oil.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) helps solubilize essential oils, flavoring agents, and fragrances in food products, ensuring even distribution and enhancing the overall product performance.
It is used to improve the texture and mouthfeel of certain food products, particularly in emulsified foods like margarine and spreads.

In cell culture applications, Polysorbate 20 is used to stabilize hydrophobic substances and improve the growth conditions of cells by promoting uniform distribution of nutrients and growth factors.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) can be used in formulations of biologics or vaccines to stabilize proteins and prevent aggregation during production or storage.
It is included in detergents and cleaning products, where it helps emulsify oils and dirt, allowing for more effective cleaning.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) may be used in the production of paints and coatings to stabilize emulsions and improve the spreading properties of the product.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) can be used in agricultural formulations like pesticides and herbicides to help disperse active ingredients and ensure uniform application on crops.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is commonly used to dissolve and stabilize fragrances and essential oils in aqueous formulations, such as perfumes, room sprays, and air fresheners.

It may be included in veterinary drug formulations and animal feed to aid in the solubilization and effective delivery of active compounds.
In some tobacco products, Polysorbate 20 can be used to help dissolve flavorings and maintain moisture levels in the product.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used for solubilizing membrane proteins during isolation and purification.

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is used as a wetting agent in flavored mouth drops. 
It acts as a washing agent in Western blots and ELISAs and prevents antibody binding. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a solubilizing agent of membrane proteins. 

In pharmaceutical chemistry, it is used as an excipient to stabilize emulsions and suspensions. 
Further, it is used as a dispersing agent, stabilizer, lubricator and also used in creams, salves, ointments, protective creams, balms, pomades, lipsticks, mascaras and glosses.
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a solubilizer, emulsifier, viscosity modifier, and stabilizer of essential oils in water.

Safety Profile Of Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20):
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) was a skin irritant in dermatitis patients but was reported not to induce irritant responses when applied to the intact skin of health volunteers. 
It produced, at worst, minimal irritation in the eyes of rabbits. 
Only a small number of cases of skin sensitization have been reported in humans, although a moderate to strong sensitizing potential was seen in guinea-pigs treated by intradermal injection.

Moderately toxic by intravenous route. 
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) a human skin irritant. 
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

While Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is typically mild and non-irritating in cosmetic formulations, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. 
Prolonged or excessive exposure, especially in undiluted form, may lead to skin dryness, redness, or itching.

If Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) comes into direct contact with the eyes, it can cause mild irritation, redness, or discomfort. 
Proper precautions, such as avoiding eye contact and using protective eyewear in industrial settings, are recommended.

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