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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Formulation and characterization of rifampicin microcapsules
Md Sarfaraz1, D Hiremath, K P R Chowdary
1Department of Pharmaceutics, N. E. T. College of Pharmacy, Raichur-584 101, India.
Novel biodegradable microcapsules containing rifampicin (RIF) were developed using an emulsification-ionic gelation method. The optimal formulation demonstrated sustained drug release, suitable for oral controlled delivery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Controlled drug delivery systems aim to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.
- Rifampicin is a key antibiotic for treating tuberculosis, requiring effective delivery strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel biodegradable microcapsules for controlled oral delivery of rifampicin.
- To investigate the impact of polymer coating ratios on microcapsule properties and drug release kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Emulsification-ionic gelation method utilizing sodium alginate and Carbopol 974P as coating polymers.
- Characterization included encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size analysis, SEM, and in vitro drug release studies.
Main Results:
- Microcapsules were discrete, spherical, and free-flowing with high encapsulation efficiency (75-89%) and drug loading (75-86%).
- Drug release was slow, diffusion-controlled, and followed first-order kinetics, extending over prolonged periods.
- The 1:1 ratio formulation (MC1) showed suitability for oral controlled release.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable microcapsules prepared via emulsification-ionic gelation offer a promising approach for rifampicin controlled release.
- The polymer coating ratio significantly influences microcapsule characteristics and drug release profiles.
- The MC1 formulation is a viable candidate for developing oral controlled-release rifampicin products.
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