Optimization of the conditions for the preparation of povidone iodine using the response surface methodology

Abstract Povidone iodine has been a widely used standard disinfectant in the medical field. The preparation process has not received sufficient attention because of the influencing factors and their correlations under the same conditions. The response surface methodology matrix was used for variables affecting yield, I 2 , and I content from the central composite design of pH (1–7), stirring speed (400–1,200 rpm), temperature (30–50°C), and time (1–20 h). The evaluation of the IR spectrum after preparation showed similarity in molecular arrangement positions. The compatibility of the predicted data with the model was indicated by an R 2 coefficient > 0.95 ( Y 1) and a CV% of 30 runs reaching 1.15%. The temperature–time factor pair showed a significant positive correlation to Y 1, while I 2 content was positively influenced by pH and temperature. Additionally, the square of stirring speed and the square of temperature also increased the I content. From the verification data, all four factors were shown to have a significant impact on the povidone-iodine preparation process with an error α less than 5%.