Published Paper Details:

The goal of this study is to design and develop a Simvastatin particulate drug delivery system utilizing the ionic gelation method in order to improve the drug's solubility and sustain its release. Chitosan (77% DA), non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer were used as matrix material while Sodium tripolyphosphate used as the crosslinking agent. Central composite design was chosen as statistical tool for analysis study and to optimization of formulation variables like CS percentage, TPP percentage and DR. The formula that was found to be the most efficient was chosen and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index , zeta potential, EE%, drug loading, in-vitro drug release, DSC, XRD and SEM. The stability study of optimal SIM CS-TPP NPs was carried out for one month at room temperature. Optimized formulations had PS 281.4nm, a narrow PDI 0.441, ZP -17.7mv, sustain drug release 71.48% over 12 hrs and EE% of 99.94%. SEM study confirmed that successful fabrication of nearly spherical shaped particles in nanometer range. There was no physical change and no huge disparity in PS and ZP after one month of stability testing, showing that the formulation was stable. As a result, nanoparticulate systems such as PNPs might be used to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs such as Simvastatin.