Encapsulation of Rifampicin in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Microwave-Assisted Microemulsion Method

Rifampicin (RF) is a potent antibiotic, but its clinical effectiveness is limited by poor water solubility and stability. To overcome these limitations, RF is encapsulated in solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using a one-pot microwave microemulsion method. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize RF-loaded SLNs, evaluating their physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy. The synthesized SLNs exhibit particle sizes ranging from 150 to 200 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency of approximate to 55% and high loading capacity. The particles are imaged by cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy and found to be circular and elongated, with RF homogenously distributed throughout the particles. The RF-loaded SLNs demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, as evidenced by disc diffusion assays. The SLNs exhibits a sustained drug release profile, highlighting their potential as an effective drug delivery system for antimicrobial treatment. These findings suggest that SLNs can enhance the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of hydrophobic drugs like RF.