Formulation and Characterization of Rifampicin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tuberculosis Therapy

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, complicated by prolonged treatment regimens, poor patient adherence, and drug-related toxicities. Rifampicin, a cornerstone of first-line anti-tubercular therapy, suffers from poor aqueous solubility, variable bioavailability, and rapid systemic clearance, which may compromise therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to develop and characterize rifampicin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles as a strategy to enhance drug stability, improve pharmacokinetic performance, and potentially reduce dosing frequency. Rifampicin-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and in vitro drug release behavior. The formulated nanoparticles exhibited a nanoscale size distribution with low PDI, indicating uniformity, and demonstrated adequate surface charge for colloidal stability. High encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release profiles were observed under physiological conditions. These findings suggest that rifampicinloaded nanoparticles represent a promising biopharmaceutic approach for improving TB therapy and warrant further in vivo and clinical evaluation.