Fabrication of simvastatin loaded porous PLGA scaffold: improving the mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering / Ahmad Fareez Mohd Rawi

The use of poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) in the form of simvastatin (SIM) with porous PLGA microparticles (PMP) often results in an initial uncontrolled burst of drug release and compromised mechanical integrity. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of these delivery systems. Objective: This study aims to improve the structural, release, and mechanical properties of porous SIM/PMP by incorporating various polymers: chitosan (Chi), pectin (Pec), and pluronic F127 (F127). Methodology: Employing a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method, two method modifications were tested. In Method Modification 1 (MM1), biopolymers were integrated into the internal aqueous phase, while Method Modification 2 (MM2) involved adding them to the external phase. The samples underwent lyophilization and were stored for analysis. Results: The study revealed that 1.0% Chi SIM/PMP (MM2) significantly reduced the initial burst release of SIM, maintaining a controlled release over 21 days, as confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, pluronic F127 enhanced the compressive strength of the scaffolds, surpassing both pectin and chitosan. Conclusion: Pluronic F127, a synthetic block copolymer, was identified as the most effective biopolymer for augmenting the release and mechanical properties of SIM/PMP scaffolds. This research highlights the potential of specific biopolymers in overcoming the inherent limitations of porous SIM/PMP microparticles, paving the way for more efficient drug delivery systems.