Carbomer, also known as carbomer, is an acrylic acid cross-linked resin obtained by cross-linking pentaerythritol and acrylic acid. It is a very important rheology modifier. The neutralized carbomer is an excellent gel matrix. It has important uses such as thickening and suspension, with simple process and good stability.
Widely used in lotions, creams, gels, ophthalmic ointments, rectal and topical preparations.
Carbopol is the signature dish of the American Nuoyu Company (formerly known as the American Gullide Company, one of the oldest companies in the United States), and its products include the Carbopol series of rheology regulators and the Pemulen series of polymer emulsifiers. Gradually, now Domestic carbomers have also gradually matured.
The three main functions of carbomer:
1. Suspension. Can permanently suspend insoluble components in the system;
2. Emulsification. It can emulsify and stabilize in oil or water phase.
3. Thickening. A wide range of viscosities and fluidities can be produced;
Carbomer has a wide range of uses, such as medical
Carbomer is widely used in non-injectable formulations, especially topical liquid and semisolid formulations.
Carbomer resin has been studied for the preparation of sustained-release matrix pellets, as an enzyme inhibitor of intestinal protease in preparations containing polypeptides, as an adhesive for cervical patches and as microspheres for nasal administration, And magnetic granules that position drugs for delivery into the esophagus.
besides. The value of carbomer in medicine is far more than that, and its main medical value is divided into the following three aspects.
One is that it can be used as a sustained-release material to make controlled-release drugs for corresponding applications, such as ascorbic acid, aspirin, lithium carbonate, atropine sulfate, procaine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine, quinine sulfate, theophylline, etc.
Second, it is used as a formula for external use, and can be used as a carrier matrix to make ointments, suppositories, gels, emulsions, etc.
The third is to make use of its gelling, adhesiveness, and film-forming properties. In the bioadhesive, it is used as a carrier matrix and a biopatch made of drugs. Because it is attached to the tissue mucosa for a long time, the bioavailability of the drug is improved. For example, mucous membranes are used as drug targets, including eye, nasal cavity, intestinal tract, vagina and rectal mucosa, etc.
The fourth is to use its suspending ability to effectively suspend the insoluble components to form a uniformly dispersed system, which is applied to oral suspensions, and has the characteristics of safety and effectiveness, avoiding taste, maintaining stability, and improving bioavailability.
In addition to medical treatment, Carbomer 951 is also used as a thickener in the preparation of double emulsion microspheres. Carbomers are also commonly used in cosmetics.
Carbomer is a stable and hygroscopic substance, heating at 104°C for 2 hours does not affect its thickening properties.
However, exposure to excessively high temperatures can cause discoloration and reduced stability. It can be completely decomposed by heating at 260°C for 30 minutes.
And the safety of carbomer is also there. There are certain grades that can be used in oral formulations. It is generally believed that carbomer is basically a non-toxic and non-irritating excipient.
There is no evidence of allergic reactions to topical carbomers, but human oral doses of 1 to 3 g carbomers can be used as strong laxatives.
