POLOXAMER Meaning and
Definition
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Poloxamer is a nonionic polymeric compound that belongs to the family of surfactants. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products due to its unique properties and versatile functions.
Poloxamers are synthesized by the condensation of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, resulting in a block copolymer with a central hydrophobic polypropylene oxide chain flanked by two hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains. The ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide units determines the characteristics and properties of the poloxamer.
In pharmaceutical applications, poloxamers are known for their exceptional solubilizing properties, making them useful excipients for enhancing drug solubility in various formulations. They can also act as stabilizers, emulsifiers, and lubricants, improving product quality and shelf stability. Poloxamers can form micelles, spherical aggregates of amphiphilic molecules, when dissolved in water, which aids in drug encapsulation and delivery.
In the cosmetic and personal care industry, poloxamers are employed as emulsifiers to mix oil-based and water-based ingredients, ensuring stable and homogeneous formulations. They also function as surfactants, controlling the surface tension of liquids and improving product spreadability. Additionally, poloxamers are often used as foaming agents, thickeners, and viscosity modifiers, contributing to the desired texture and sensory experience of cosmetics and personal care products.
Overall, poloxamers are widely utilized in various industries due to their ability to improve solubility, stabilize formulations, enhance drug delivery, and provide desirable physical characteristics to products.
Common Misspellings for POLOXAMER
- ooloxamer
- loloxamer
- -oloxamer
- 0oloxamer
- piloxamer
- pkloxamer
- plloxamer
- pploxamer
- p0loxamer
- p9loxamer
- pokoxamer
- popoxamer
- poooxamer
- polixamer
- polkxamer
- pollxamer
- polpxamer
- pol0xamer
- pol9xamer
- polozamer
Etymology of POLOXAMER
The word "Poloxamer" is a portmanteau, combining the terms "polymer" and "oxirane" (another word for epoxy). The "polo-" prefix comes from the term "polymer", which refers to a large molecule made up of repeating subunits. The "-x-" in "Poloxamer" represents the placement of an oxygen atom within the polymer chain, forming an epoxy group. Finally, the "-amer" suffix refers to a substance composed of individual units (monomers) that have combined to form a larger structure. Therefore, the term "Poloxamer" essentially describes a polymer consisting of repeating oxirane units.
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