Effect of Fe ₃ O ₄ Nanoparticles on Lovastatin Drug Release from Chitosan Films

Abstract Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, known for their biocompatibility can be combined with chitosan and PEG—biocompatible and biodegradable polymers—as well as lovastatin to create targeted drug delivery systems. The chemical structure, composition, morphology, and magnetic properties of the composite films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results showed that lovastatin was well dispersed within the chitosan matrix, with particle sizes ranging from 10 to 40 µm, while Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited a tendency to agglomerate. The release of lovastatin from the composite films in simulated body fluids (pH between 2.0 and 7.4 buffer solutions) was studied using ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The drug release was found to depend on environmental pH, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle content, and testing time. These findings suggest the potential of this system for targeted drug delivery applications.