compounds and methods for refolding of proteins in an aqueous solution . in particular , biocompatible multiblock copolymer surfactants such as poloxamers , meroxapols , poloxamines , or polyols are used to catalyze proper refolding without changing the protein composition , and restore the protein to its native conformation and native biological function . the methods can be practiced both in vivo and in vitro . the biocompatible multiblock copolymer surfactants can be used for renaturation of recombinantly expressed proteins , and for renaturation of proteins that are unfolded due to heat , irradiation , mechanical shearing , electrical shock , frostbite , chemical stress , and other abiotic or biotic stresses .