Polyvinylpyrrolidone-enhanced electrochemical oxidation and detection of acyclovir

► Macromolecule surfactant was successfully used in electrochemical sensing. ► PVP greatly enhanced the oxidation response signal of acyclovir. ► Oxidation mechanism of acyclovir on PVP surface was studied. ► A novel and sensitive electrochemical method was developed for acyclovir detection.