Chemically Modified Electropsun Chitosan Membranes as Implantable Devices for Controlled Drug Delivery

The study aims to investigate a new chemically (fatty acid) modified electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCM) for the local and controlled delivery of simvastatin, as an alternative to BMP-2 for stimulating bone formation. The modified membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and examined the loading and release profiles of simvastatin from the modified ESCM. Further, the release and effect of simvastatin from ESCM on osteoblastic cells in in-vitro was assessed. Results showed that as the fatty acid chain length increased from two to six methylene groups, the hydrophobicity of the membranes increased. The long-chain ESCM released 40±1.5% for extended periods of up to 90 days of simvastatin in comparison to short-chain fatty acid modified. Cell studies showed that SMV from 100 to 400 ng/ml range possessed osteogenic potential in a dose-dependent manner. We anticipate performing and evaluating bone formation in rodent calvarial defects to assess the clinical efficacy of the developed ESCM.

Author(s): Dr. Mallesh Kurakula, University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA

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