Pluronic F 68, also known as Poloxamer 188, is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the class of copolymers known as Pluronics. It is composed of a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO) chain and a hydrophobic polypropylene oxide (PPO) chain. Pluronic F 68 is commercially available in various molecular weights, with Pluronic F 68 typically referring to a specific molecular weight variant.
Synonym: Polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.
As a non-ionic surfactant, Pluronic F 68 exhibits amphiphilic properties, meaning it has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions. This unique structure allows it to function as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and solubilizer in a wide range of applications.
Uses of Pluronic F 68 include:
- Pharmaceutical applications: Pluronic F 68 is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a solubilizing agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It can enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs, improve drug delivery, and stabilize protein formulations.
- Cell culture: Pluronic F 68 is used in cell culture media to prevent cell aggregation, reduce shear stress during cell handling, and improve cell viability. It is particularly useful in suspension culture systems and bioprocessing applications.
- Biomedical applications: Pluronic F 68 is utilized in various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery systems. Its biocompatibility and ability to form thermoreversible gels make it suitable for controlled release formulations and tissue scaffolds. It is useful in reducing cell attachment to glass.
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Pluronic F 68 is incorporated into cosmetic formulations such as creams, lotions, and shampoos as a stabilizer and emulsifier. It helps to improve product consistency, enhance texture, and increase product stability.
- Industrial applications: Pluronic F 68 finds use in various industrial applications, including detergents, coatings, and lubricants. It can act as a dispersing agent, wetting agent, and viscosity modifier in these formulations.
- General applications: Pluronic F 68 is useful in reducing foaming in stirred cultures.
Overall, Pluronic F 68 is a versatile non-ionic surfactant with a wide range of applications across pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, cosmetics, and industrial sectors, owing to its unique amphiphilic properties and compatibility with biological systems.
Chemical structure:
