LAUSR

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.