Iodophor

An iodophor is a preparation containing iodine complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a surfactant or water-soluble polymers such as povidone (forming povidone-iodine), The result is a water-soluble material that releases free iodine when in solution.

Iodophors are prepared by mixing iodine with the solubilizing agent; heat can be used to speed up the reaction. Besides povidone, polyvinyl alcohol, starch derivatives (e.g. dextrin forming cadexomer iodine), chitosan and cellulose have also been used as solubilizing agents.