Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a hydrophilic polymer widely employed as a carrier in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and nutraceutical fields. Up to now, several PVP-based systems have been developed to deliver different active principles, of both natural and synthetic origin. Various formulations and morphologies have been proposed using PVP, including microparticles and nanoparticles, fibers, hydrogels, tablets, and films. Its versatility and peculiar properties make PVP one of the most suitable and promising polymers for the development of new pharmaceutical forms. This review highlights the role of PVP in drug delivery, focusing on the different morphologies proposed for different polymer/active compound formulations. It also provides detailed information on active principles and used technologies, optimized process parameters, advantages, disadvantages, and final applications.
Keywords: drug delivery systems; fibers; films; hydrogels; microparticles; nanoparticles; polyvinylpyrrolidone; tablets.