Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Drug Release Properties of Simvastatin-loaded PLGA Microspheres

Abstract

Microspheres formulated from poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer, have been extensively evaluated as a drug delivery system. In this study, the preparation, characterization and drug release properties of the PLGA microspheres were evaluated. Simvastatin (SIM)-loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The microspheres were then frozen to −80 °C, they were freeze dried for 24 h. Characterization of SIM-loaded PLGA microspheres was evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug release potential was evaluated by UV-spectrophotometry. The experimental results revealed that SIM-loaded PLGA microspheres can be successfully obtained through solvent evaporation method with appropriate morphologic characteristics and high encapsulation efficiency.