poloxamer 188

Poloxamer 188 is a nonionic block copolymer surfactant composed of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) units. It exhibits rheologic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities in various tissue injury models. Its primary mechanism involves intercalation into cell membranes to seal defects and attenuate damage from oxidative stress and inflammation. Poloxamer 188 has been studied for its ability to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduce neuronal loss after excitotoxic injury, inhibit inflammatory responses following tissue damage, and promote membrane resealing after cellular trauma. While originally approved by the FDA in the 1960s as a blood viscosity reducer before transfusions (now discontinued for this use), it is widely used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., surfactant or solubilizer), over-the-counter products (toothpaste, mouthwash), cosmetics, and industrial applications[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

Pluronic F68Synperonic PE/F68Kolliphor P188polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer 188