Poloxamer: Introduction, Synthesis, Types & Application

Poloxamers are nonionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene. Now a day, Poloxamer are widely used in different drug delivery systems due to its biodegradability, high solubility and low toxicity. Poloxamers contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic part, so they are used widely as surfactant and emulsifier in the formulation. Poloxamer are used in solid dispersion as solubility enhancer. Pluronic grade has thermo reversible gelation property, liquid at room temperature and convert gel at body temperature, so it is used in the control release formulation. Poloxamer are used for improve the stability of Nanoparticle and liposome. Poloxamers are used in solid suppositories for improve the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs and decrease the rectal irritation compare to conventional polymer like polyethylene glycol. Poloxamer are also used in the biological preparation as stabilizer.