Description

Poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers—commonly referred to as Poloxamers—are a class of synthetic, nonionic amphiphilic polymers consisting of a hydrophobic PPO segment positioned between two hydrophilic PEO chains. By varying the relative lengths of these blocks, the overall hydrophilic–lipophilic balance and key physicochemical characteristics can be systematically tailored. Commercial grades are typically denoted using a three‑digit code, in which the first two digits (×100) correlate with the approximate molecular weight of the PPO block, and the final digit (×10) reflects the percentage of PEO.

Their amphiphilic block architecture gives rise to pronounced temperature‑dependent self‑assembly behavior. As the proportion of PPO increases, the critical micelle concentration decreases, facilitating micellization. The sol–gel transition temperature is also concentration‑dependent, with higher polymer contents favoring gel formation.

Among the various grades, the material widely known as Poloxamer 407 (often referred to as F127) has been extensively studied because it can form stable gels at relatively low concentrations (around 20% at 25 °C), a property not commonly observed in other members of this polymer family. Poloxamers are recognized for their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, and several grades are accepted for pharmaceutical use, making them valuable excipients in drug‑delivery formulations, biomedical preparations, and thermoresponsive hydrogel systems.

Product Information

Product Name: Poloxamer 407 (P407) 

CAS Number: 9003‑11‑6 

Chemical Formula: HO(C₂H₄O)ₐ(C₃H₆O)ᵦ(C₂H₄O)ₐH 

Molecular Weight: 9,840–14,600 

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place with the container tightly sealed.

Product Applications

• Solubilization of Hydrophobic Drugs: The amphiphilic triblock structure of Poloxamers—featuring hydrophilic PEO end blocks and a hydrophobic PPO core—enables spontaneous self‑assembly into nanosized micelles in aqueous environments. The PPO segments form a hydrophobic inner domain capable of encapsulating poorly soluble drugs, while the PEO chains extend outward to stabilize the micelles. This property makes Pluronic F127 an effective solubilizer for hydrophobic pharmaceutical compounds.
• Sustained‑Release Drug Carrier: At concentrations of 20–40%, Pluronic F127 exhibits reverse thermal gelation, transitioning from a low‑viscosity liquid at 4 °C to a semi‑solid gel at physiological temperature (≈37 °C). This thermogelling behavior allows F127 to serve as an excellent sustained‑release matrix, prolonging drug residence time at the administration site. It is widely used in ophthalmic, nasal, rectal, and anti‑tumor formulations.
• Emulsifier for Injectable Formulations: Pluronic F127 is non‑toxic, non‑irritating, non‑sensitizing, and chemically stable, and it does not readily dissolve in blood. These characteristics make it an effective emulsifier for intravenous preparations, producing stable emulsions with small droplet sizes and minimal phase separation. It is compatible with heat‑steam sterilization, further supporting its use in parenteral drug delivery.
• Wound Healing Enhancement: As a nonionic amphiphilic polymer, Pluronic F127 can interact with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, helping protect cellular integrity. It promotes growth factor expression and fibroblast proliferation, thereby accelerating wound healing. This makes F127 valuable in topical formulations, tissue repair materials, and regenerative medicine.

Biomedical Research and Development Raw Materials

• Poly(lactic‑co‑glycolic acid) (PLGA)
• Polycaprolactone (PCL)
• Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) | 9004‑32‑4
• Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) | 9002‑89‑5
• Gelatin | 9000‑70‑8
• Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) | 9067‑32‑7
• Sodium Alginate (Alg) | 9005-38-3
• F127 (Poloxamer 407) | 9003‑11‑6 

Only for research and not intended for treatment of humans or animals

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