What is Polyether F-68

Polyether F-68 (Poloxamer 188) is a high-performance block polyether nonionic surfactant, a triblock copolymer composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO) (PEO-PPO-PEO), widely used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, personal care products, and industrial fields due to its excellent emulsification, dispersion, solubilization capabilities and high safety.

Detailed Description

Polyether F-68, with the chemical name poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), CAS number 9003-11-6, is one of the most representative products in the Poloxamer series, with trade names including Poloxamer 188, Pluronic F-68, Kolliphor P 188, etc. Its appearance is a white to slightly yellowish waxy solid with a slight characteristic odor.

The molecular structure of this product consists of a central hydrophobic polypropylene glycol (PPO) segment and two terminal hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEO) segments. This unique amphiphilic structure enables it to effectively reduce interfacial tension, exhibiting excellent emulsification, wetting, and dispersion capabilities. Additionally, Polyether F-68 has good tolerance to acidic and alkaline environments and hard water ions, maintaining stable interfacial activity under harsh conditions, and is compatible with a wide range of substances.

The most prominent feature of Polyether F-68 is its extremely high safety—low toxicity, low skin and eye irritation, non-flammability, and good biocompatibility. This makes it one of the few synthetic surfactants approved for use in intravenous injection and oral pharmaceutical formulations, and an indispensable shear protectant in cell culture.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

• Pharmaceutical Industry: As an efficient emulsifier for intravenous injection emulsions and solubilizer for oral liquid formulations, it can significantly improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs; used as a hydrophilic base for suppositories and as a stabilizer for eye drops and other formulations.
• Biotechnology and Cell Culture: Added to culture media as a shear protectant to prevent cell damage during stirring and aeration. Typical use concentration is 0.5～3 g/L, effectively improving cell viability and yield.
• Personal Care and Cosmetics: Used in creams, lotions, shampoos, body washes, and other formulations as a mild nonionic emulsifier, dispersant, and foam stabilizer, helping to improve product spreadability and skin feel.
• Industrial Auxiliaries: Widely used in formulations of high-performance lubricants, low-foam defoamers, release agents, and dispersants for coatings and inks to improve processing performance and surface finish.

Precautions

When handling, wear protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves), chemical safety goggles, and protective work clothing. Operate in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling dust. The product may cause skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory tract irritation (H335). In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep the container tightly closed and store in a cool (recommended below 25°C), dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. This product is not classified as dangerous goods and can be transported conventionally, but should be protected from damage and moisture.