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CAS 9003-11-6 Thermoreversible Gelling Agent Thermoreversible Gelling Agent USP Grade EP Grade NF Grade

Poloxamer 407

IUPAC: Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
9003-11-6
MOL. FORMULA
HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH --- a˜101, b˜56
MOL. WEIGHT
9,840--14,600 g/mol (avg. 12,600 Da)
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Scientific Overview

Poloxamer 407's reverse thermal gelation makes it especially valuable in sustained-release drug delivery, mucosal and topical gel formulations, and 3D bioprinting as a sacrificial/support ink. Its low critical micelle concentration (CMC) enables efficient drug solubilization at low use levels compared to conventional surfactants.

Poloxamer 407 is a hydrophilic non-ionic triblock copolymer surfactant, consisting of a central polyoxypropylene (PPO) block flanked by two polyoxyethylene (PEO) blocks in an approximate 7:3 PEO:PPO weight ratio. It is best known for its unique thermoreversible gelation behavior, remaining liquid at low temperature and forming a gel at body temperature.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Poloxamer 407 (Kolliphor P407 / Pluronic F127 / Lutrol F127)
CAS Number 9003-11-6
IUPAC Name Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)
Molecular Formula HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH --- a˜101, b˜56
Molecular Weight 9,840--14,600 g/mol (avg. 12,600 Da) g/mol
Reaction Scheme
Propylene Oxide
NA
NA
Poloxamer 407
NA
Commercial Applications

Thermoreversible Gel Formulations

Enables sol-gel transition for sustained-release topical, ophthalmic, and mucosal drug delivery.

Injectable & Parenteral Systems

Used as a solubilizer and viscosity modifier in injectable drug formulations.

3D Bioprinting

Serves as a fugitive/sacrificial ink for creating channels within hydrogel constructs.

Tableting & Solid Dosage

Functions as a binder, wetting agent, and plasticizer in solid dosage forms.

Market Therapeutic Focus
THERMOREVERSIBLE GELLING AGENT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS BIOPRINTING & TISSUE ENGINEERING SPECIALTY CHEMICALS CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Poloxamer 407 as a Drug Delivery Vehicle

Authors: Dumortier, G. et al.

Pharm. Res.

DOI: 10.1007/s11095-006-9104-4

Thermoreversible Gelation of Pluronic F127 Solutions

Authors: Schmolka, I.R.

J. Biomed. Mater. Res.

DOI: 10.1002/jbm.820060609

Poloxamer-Based Hydrogels for Bioprinting

Authors: Muller, M. et al.

Biofabrication

DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aa8944
Peer Queries & FAQs
What causes the thermoreversible gelation of Poloxamer 407?
Above the critical micelle temperature, PPO blocks dehydrate and aggregate into micelles, packing into a cubic gel lattice; cooling reverses this back to a free-flowing solution.
What concentration is used for gel formation?
Typically 15--30% w/w in aqueous solution to achieve a body-temperature gel transition.
Is Poloxamer 407 FDA-listed?
Yes, it appears in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) for oral, topical, and inhalation formulations.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, protected from moisture and light, due to sensitivity to oxidative degradation (typically stabilized with BHT).

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