Innovative application of polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP in drug delivery systems

01 Polyvinylpyrrolidone introduction
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a kind of synthetic water-soluble polymer, which has been widely used in the biomedical field because of its excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability and versatility. The chemical structure of PVP allows it to be compatible with water and many polar solvents to form a stable solution or gel, a property that brings great potential for drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors and many other fields. In recent years, with the development of nanotechnology and materials science, PVP has been expanding its application in biomedicine-providing new ideas and tools for solving clinical challenges.

Application of 02PVP in implants and medical devices
The application of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in implants and medical devices is mainly due to its good biocompatibility and unique functionality. PVP is commonly used as a coating material for medical devices and implants, which can effectively improve the compatibility of these devices with human tissues. By applying a PVP coating to the surface of the implant, the body’s rejection of the implant can be reduced, reducing the risk of inflammation and infection.
In addition, the PVP coating also has properties that prevent microbial adhesion, which is particularly important in reducing the risk of infection after surgery. PVP’s high water absorption and ability to form a uniform film make it an ideal material for use in catheters, stents, and other implants, ensuring long-term stability and functionality of implants in the body.
Application of 03PVP in drug delivery
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) plays an important role in drug delivery system due to its unique physical and chemical properties. PVP is able to significantly enhance the solubility and bioavailability of insoluble drugs, which is achieved by forming solid dispersions or complexes. For example, in the preparation of naproxen, PVP is used to form a solid dispersion, greatly increasing the dissolution rate and stability of the drug. Similarly, PVP is widely used in the preparation of drugs such as indomethacin and chloramphenicol to ensure that these drugs can be effectively absorbed in the body.
In addition to enhancing the solubility of drugs, PVP is also widely used in drug delivery systems. It is used in the preparation of controlled release tablets, transdermal patches and eye drops to control the rate of drug release. For example, PVP nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology can achieve continuous release and local delivery of drugs due to their high specific surface area and adjustable pore size structure. Such nanofibers have been used in a variety of drug delivery systems, such as local sustained-release systems for aspirin and ibuprofen, greatly improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects.
Application of 04PVP in biomaterials
In the field of biomaterials, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is widely used because of its excellent biocompatibility and versatility. PVP can form hydrogels and nanofibers, which are particularly important in tissue engineering. Due to its high water absorption and flexibility, PVP hydrogels are used to prepare cell scaffolds to support cell attachment and proliferation, thus promoting tissue regeneration. For example, PVP hydrogels have been applied in the regeneration of skin, bone and soft tissue.
In addition, the application of PVP-based materials in biosensors also shows great potential. PVP nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology have high specific surface area and adjustable pore size structure, which enables them to achieve higher sensitivity and specificity in biosensors. For example, PVP nanofibers are being used to develop highly sensitive cancer detection sensors and pathogen detection devices that quickly and accurately detect the target molecule MDPI. In addition, PVP is also used for enzyme immobilization, performing well in biocatalytic reactions and biosensors.
Application of 05PVP in antibacterial and disinfection
The application of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the field of antibacterial and disinfection is mainly reflected in its combination with iodine to form Povidone-iodine complex. The compound is a potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses. In clinical practice, PVP-iodine is widely used for wound disinfection, skin cleaning before surgery and disinfection of medical instruments. For example, Betadine® is one of the most common PVP-iodine products and is widely used in hospital and home care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, PVP-iodine has been recommended for disinfecting Personal protective equipment (PPE) due to its potent antiviral properties, as well as for nasal sprays and mouthwashes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.
In addition, PVP is used in the development of other antibacterial and protective products, such as antibacterial coatings and disinfectant wipes. In these applications, PVP not only provides effective antimicrobial protection, but also ensures the safety and wide applicability of the product MDPI through its excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. These properties make PVP an indispensable material in the field of antimicrobial and disinfection, especially in the context of the current growing global demand for highly effective disinfection products.
Application of 06PVP in implants and medical devices
The application of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in implants and medical devices is mainly due to its excellent biocompatibility and unique functional properties. PVP is commonly used as a coating material for medical devices and implants to enhance the compatibility of these devices with human tissues. By applying a PVP coating to the surface of the implant, the body’s rejection of the implant can be significantly reduced, reducing the risk of inflammation and infection. For example, PVP coatings have been applied to implants such as heart stents, artificial joints, and catheters to improve their stability and safety in vivo.
In addition, the PVP coating has the ability to prevent microbial attachment, which is particularly important in reducing the risk of infection after surgery. Its high water absorption and ability to form a uniform film make PVP an ideal material for coating catheters and other long-term implants, ensuring that these devices maintain good functionality and tolerance of MDPI in the body for a long time.
In some special applications, PVP is also used to prepare antibacterial medical devices. For example, by combining antibacterial agents or drugs with PVP, these coating materials are able to effectively inhibit bacterial growth, thereby reducing the risk of infection. These characteristics make PVP an indispensable material in modern medical device design, providing strong support for improving the safety of medical devices and the quality of life of patients.
07 Conclusions and future prospects
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has become an indispensable material in the biomedical field because of its excellent biocompatibility, versatility and wide application prospects. From drug delivery to tissue engineering, from antibacterial disinfection to the coating of implants and medical devices, PVP demonstrates its unique advantages in a variety of applications. This material not only improves the solubility and stability of drugs, but also improves the biocompatibility and safety of medical devices, and promotes the progress of biomedical technology.