Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (M.W.~360000), a water-soluble polymer obtained by polymerization of monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone[1]. Polyvinylpyrrolidone exhibits inert, non-toxic, temperature-resistant, pH-stable, biocompatible, biodegradable properties, which helps to encapsulate and cater both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs[2]. Polyvinylpyrrolidone improves the bioavailability of drugs mainly by means of forming solid dispersions (SDs), which could increase the solubility of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and promote the penetration of APIs[3]. Polyvinylpyrrolidone is widely used as a hydrophilic modifier that mitigates membrane fouling and as an excellent pore-forming agent that increases membrane porosity, thereby enhancing water flux[4].
References:[1] Luo Y, Hong Y, Shen L, et al. Multifunctional role of polyvinylpyrrolidone in pharmaceutical formulations[J]. Aaps Pharmscitech, 2021, 22(1): 34.
[2] Kurakula M, Rao G S N K. Pharmaceutical assessment of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): As excipient from conventional to controlled delivery systems with a spotlight on COVID-19 inhibition[J]. Journal of drug delivery science and technology, 2020, 60: 102046.
[3] Koczkur K M, Mourdikoudis S, Polavarapu L, et al. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in nanoparticle synthesis[J]. Dalton transactions, 2015, 44(41): 17883-17905.
[4] Hayama M, Yamamoto K, Kohori F, et al. Nanoscopic behavior of polyvinylpyrrolidone particles on polysulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone film[J]. Biomaterials, 2004, 25(6): 1019-1028.