Formulation and characterization of poloxamer 407® : thermoreversible gel containing polymeric microparticles and hyaluronic acid

Abstract

The influence of the composition and preparation method on the sol–gel transition temperature (Tsol–gel) and rheological response of poloxamer-based formulations was determined. Manual and more complex mechanical stirring were found to provide similar results. In addition, a linear dependence of Tsol–gel on the poloxamer content was observed in the range of concentrations analyzed, and a Poloxamer 407® concentration of 18% was selected. The addition of hyaluronic acid did not lead to significant changes in the Tsol–gel values. In contrast, the addition of microparticles caused a reduction in Tsol–gel without a significant reduction in gel strength, and pseudoplastic characteristics were observed, indicating that a thermoreversible gel was obtained with a rheology suitable for application in the treatment of burn wounds.