The present study was to formulate nanoparticles (NPs) containing simvastatin (SV) prepared with Poly (D, L Lactide-co- Glycolide) by nano-precipitation-solvent displacement method to achieve a better release profile suitable for per oral administration with enhanced efficacy. The formulations were fabricated according to a 3² full factorial design, allowing the simultaneous evaluation of two formulation independent variables and their interaction. The dependent variables that were selected for study were particle size and % drug entrapment. The influence of various formulation factors (drug: polymer ratio and concentration of surfactants) on particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were found to be increased as drug concentration increases with respect to polymer. Addition of surfactants showed a promising result in decreasing particle size of NPs. Dissolution study revealed increased release of SV from NPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study revealed spherical morphology of the developed NPs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed phase transition behavior of NPs. They also showed very significant change in saturation solubility in comparison with pure drug. The in vitro release data follows matrix and first order release kinetics mechanism, good correlation coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.9915) could be obtained.
