Rifampicin/Quercetin Nanoemulsions: Co-Encapsulation and In Vitro Biological Assessment Toward Tuberculosis Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health threat causing significant mortality.
• Current TB treatment challenges include long durations, poor adherence, and treatment failure.
• Novel drug delivery systems are crucial for improving TB therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize nanoemulsions co-encapsulating quercetin and rifampicin.
• To evaluate the in vitro physicochemical properties and biological activity of the nanoemulsion for TB therapy.

Main Methods:

• Nanoemulsions (NEs) were prepared using hot solvent diffusion and phase inversion temperature methods.
• Physicochemical properties, stability, anti-inflammatory effects (IFN-γ, ROS), and antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were assessed.
• BEAS-2B cells and M. tuberculosis H37Rv (susceptible and resistant strains) were used for in vitro testing.

Main Results:

• The quercetin-rifampicin nanoemulsion (QUE-RIF-NE) exhibited a small particle size (24 nm) and negative zeta potential (-27 mV).
• The formulation was stable, non-cytotoxic, and effectively reduced inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, ROS) in BEAS-2B cells.
• QUE-RIF-NE demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity against both susceptible and resistant M. tuberculosis strains with a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC ≤ 0.015 µg/mL).

Conclusions:

• QUE-RIF-NE shows excellent physicochemical stability and promising in vitro dual anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• This nanoemulsion holds potential for enhanced pulmonary or systemic TB treatment strategies.
• The integrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects could optimize TB therapy and patient adherence.