Thermal stability of fluorocarbon emulsions that transport oxygen

Abstract

Pluronic F-68 (Poloxamer 188) is a non-ionic block co-polymer which has been used to emulsify perfluorocarbons (PFCs) for use as oxygen transport fluids. The surfactant has been shown to be an effective stabiliser of perfluorodecalin emulsions. Autoclaving is the most practical method of sterilising parenteral formulations, but PF-68 stabilized perfluorodecalin emulsions break down rapidly on autoclaving which prevents this technique being used. Presented here are results which suggest that the observed breakdown of the emulsions on autoclaving is related to the cloud point of the surfactant. This is further underlined by the effect of additives which elevate or depress the surfactant cloud point and change the stability of the corresponding emulsions. We have used such additives to prepare PF-68 stabilized perfluorodecalin emulsions which are stable to sterilization by autoclaving.