Simvastatin‐Loaded PLA / PEG Nanofibers Produced by Solution Blow Spinning: Formulation, Characterization, and in Vitro Cytotoxicity

ABSTRACT Simvastatin (SIM)‐loaded poly(L,D‐lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) fibrous mats were fabricated via Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) as functional platforms for controlled local drug delivery. Scaffolds with PLA/PEG weight ratios 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 (15 wt.% total polymer) were prepared incorporating 2.5 wt.% SIM. The fibrous mats were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurements, in vitro SIM release over 21 days (UV–Vis), and cell cytotoxicity assays. Smooth, defect‐free, and uniform cylindrical fibers were obtained for all compositions, achieving high encapsulation efficiencies (> 89%). The incorporation of PEG reduced average fiber diameters, enhanced matrix wettability, and modulated the drug release profiles. Mathematical modeling revealed a key transition in drug transport mechanisms: lower PEG content formulations (PLA 10 ‐2.5 and PLA 20 ‐2.5) were governed by concentration‐dependent First‐Order kinetics ( r 2 ≥ 0.909), whereas the PLA 30 ‐2.5 matrix attained ideal Zero‐Order kinetics ( r 2 = 0.978), delivering a constant and sustained drug release. Furthermore, all scaffolds maintained high cytocompatibility. Overall, tuning the PLA/PEG blend ratio allows precise control over release kinetics, demonstrating the potential of these PLA/PEG/SIM mats as versatile platforms for localized biomedical applications.