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Published on: December 10, 2021
Simvastatin-Loaded Nanofibrous Membrane Efficiency on the Repair of Achilles Tendons
Chun-Jui Weng1,2,3, Chieh-Tun Liao2, Ming-Yi Hsu2,4
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Introduction:
In this study, simvastatin-incorporated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanofibrous mats were fabricated via electrospinning, and their efficacy in the repair of the Achilles tendon was evaluated.
Methods:
The morphology of spun nanofibers and the in vitro drug release kinetics were assessed, while the in vivo efficacy in tendon repair was tested using a rat model.
Results:
Images obtained by scanning electron microscopy revealed that spun nanofibers exhibit a porous structure with a fiber diameter of approximately 350 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated successful incorporation of pharmaceutical agents into the PLGA nanofibers. The drug-loaded nanofibrous membranes sustainably discharged high concentrations of simvastatin for >28 days at the target site, and drug concentrations in blood were low. Tendons repaired using simvastatin-eluting nanofibers exhibited superior mechanical strength and animal activities to those repaired without nanofibers or with pure PLGA nanofibers.
Discussion:
Simvastatin-loaded nanofibers demonstrated effectiveness and sustainable capability for the repair of Achilles tendons. Eventually biodegradable drug-eluting nanofibrous mats may be used in humans for the treatment of tendon ruptures.
