Advantageous characteristics of PVP


PVP-Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a nonionic water-soluble polymer and can be applied in a

variety of fields-of-use owing to following advantageous characteristics.


1. Good solubility in water as well as various organic solvents


2. Good affinity to various polymers and resins


3. High hygroscopicity


4. Good film formation property


5. Good adhesiveness to various substrates


6. Good chelate / complex formation property










Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a water-soluble polymer obtained by polymerization of monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone. PVP

is an inert, non-toxic, temperature-resistant, pH-stable, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that helps to encapsulate and

cater both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. These advantages enable PVP versatile

excipients in the formulation development of broad conventional to novel controlled delivery systems. PVP has tunable

properties and can be used as a brace component for gene delivery, orthopedic implants, and tissue engineering applications.

Based on different molecular weights and modified forms, PVP can lead to

exceptional beneficial features with varying chemical properties. Graft copolymerization and other techniques assist PVP to

conjugate with poorly soluble drugs that can inflate bioavailability and even introduces the desired swelling tract for their

control or sustained release. The present review provides chemistry, mechanical, physicochemical properties, evaluation

parameters, dewy preparation methods of PVP derivatives intended for designing conventional to controlled systems for drug,

gene, and cosmetic delivery. The past and growing interest in PVP establishes it as a promising polymer to enhance the trait

and performance of current generation pharmaceutical dosage forms. Furthermore, the scrutiny explores existing patents,

marketed products, new and futuristic approaches of PVP that have been identified and scope for future development,

characterization, and its use. The exploration spotlights the importance and role of PVP in the design of Povidone-iodine

(PVP–I) and clinical trials to assess therapeutic efficacy against the

COVID-19 in the current pandemic scenario.






PVPP is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight clarifying agent made up of

cross-linked monomer of polyvinylpyrrolidone. PVPP has long been used in the beverage industry as a polyphenol

adsorbent. Although, it has been called as a “protein-like” fining agent, insoluble PVPP interacts with only few reactive

groups. Hence, PVPP is used for binding and removing smaller phenolic compounds such

as catechins and anthocyanins, which are responsible for causing browning and bitterness in wines. However,

PVPP, along with charcoal and casein, can remove resveratrol, a component that imparts certain health benefits.






Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a linear polymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone monomers used as a binder, emulsion stabilizer,

film former, hair fixative, and suspending agent-nonsurfactant. The molecular weight of the polymer ranges from 10,000 to

700,000. PVP K-30, with an average molecular weight of 40,000, is typically used in cosmetic formulations. The highest

concentration reported to be used is 35%. There was no significant absorption of PVP K-30 given orally to rats, and the acute

oral LD50 was >100 g/kg for rats and guinea pigs. Neither toxic effects nor gross lesions were found in rats maintained for

two years on a diet containing 10% PVP K-30. Short-term PVP inhalation studies produced mild lymphoid hyperplasia and

fibroplasia in rats, but no inflammatory response. In animal studies, no evidence of significant ocular irritation, skin

irritation, or skin sensitization was found at PVP-iodine solution concentrations of 10%. While PVP-iodine is not a cosmetic

ingredient, these negative findings were considered to support the safety of the PVP component. Undiluted PVP K-30 was not a

dermal irritant or sensitizer in clinical tests. No developmental toxicity was seen in vehicle controls where PVP was used as

a vehicle for another agent. In certain assay systems, PVP was genotoxic, but was negative in the majority of studies. Orally

administered PVP significantly decreased the rate of bladder tumors in mice exposed to bracken fern. Several studies tested

the carcinogenicity of subcutaneous implants of particulate PVP in rats, mice, and rabbits. Although the majority of these

studies conducted in rats were positive, tumors (sarcomas) were localized to the site of implantation. Based on the available

data, it was concluded that PVP is safe as used in cosmetics.






Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a linear polymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone

monomers used as a binder, emulsion stabilization of suspensions

, film former, hair fixative, and suspending agent-nonsurfactant. The molecular weight of the polymer ranges from

10,000 to 700,000. PVP K-30, with an average molecular weight of 40,000, is typically used in cosmetic formulations. The

highest concentration reported to be used is 35%. There was no significant absorption of PVP K-30 given orally to rats, and

the acute oral LD50 was >100 g/kg for rats and guinea pigs. Neither toxic effects nor gross lesions were found in rats

maintained for two years on a diet containing 10% PVP K-30. Short-term PVP inhalation studies produced mild lymphoid

hyperplasia and fibroplasia in rats, but no inflammatory response. In animal studies, no evidence of significant ocular

irritation, skin irritation, or skin sensitization was found at PVP-iodine solution concentrations of 10%. While PVP-iodine

is not a cosmetic ingredient, these negative findings were considered to support the safety of the PVP component. Undiluted

PVP K-30 was not a dermal irritant or sensitizer in clinical tests. No developmental toxicity was seen in vehicle controls

where PVP was used as a vehicle for another agent. In certain assay systems, PVP was genotoxic, but was negative in the

majority of studies. Orally administered PVP significantly decreased the rate of bladder tumors in mice exposed to bracken

fern. Several studies tested the carcinogenicity of subcutaneous implants of particulate PVP in rats, mice, and rabbits.

Although the majority of these studies conducted in rats were positive, tumors (sarcomas) were localized to the site of

implantation. Based on the available data, it was concluded that PVP is safe as used in cosmetics.