Homologous copolymerization route to functional and biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone

Linear multifunctional polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) chains bearing carboxylate (COO ^-) or/and sulfonate (SO ₃ ^-) groups are prepared by standard radical copolymerization of homologous vinylpyrrolidone (VP) and the VP derivatives 3-carboxyvinylpyrrolidone (VP _C) and 3-sulfoalkylvinylpyrrolidone (VP _S). Functional PVP networks with homogeneous crosslinking density are also prepared using a new homologous water-compatible VP-R-VP crosslinker. This homologous approach for the preparation of functionalized PVP systems is compared theoretically with the preparation of VP with commercial acrylic comonomers bearing similar functionalities. All the linear chains and networks are tested under basic in vitro cell cultures.