FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPOSPHERES OF BCS CLASS II DRUG RIFAMPICIN
Garima Katiyar, Prithu Pathak, Trapti Shrivastava, Kuldeep Ganju
ABSTRACT
The present study focuses on the formulation and characterization of lipospheres encapsulating Rifampicin, a BCS Class II drug, to overcome its inherent low solubility and poor bioavailability. Rifampicin-loaded lipospheres were developed using different formulations (F1–F4), and their performance was evaluated based on various physicochemical parameters including percentage yield, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, flow properties, and in vitro drug release. Among the formulations, F2 demonstrated the highest yield (86.65 ± 0.32%) and entrapment efficiency (85.65 ± 0.25%), indicating superior encapsulation efficiency. Particle size analysis and zeta potential measurements confirmed optimal size and surface charge for stability and enhanced dissolution. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of F2 revealed spherical morphology with a smooth surface. The flow properties of the formulations were within acceptable limits, ensuring suitability for further pharmaceutical processing. In vitro drug release studies of F2 showed a sustained release pattern, with 96.65% of Rifampicin released over 12 hours. Kinetic modeling indicated that the drug release followed first-order kinetics (r² = 0.9929), with diffusion-controlled release mechanisms. These findings suggest that lipospheres represent a promising carrier system for the controlled delivery of Rifampicin, potentially improving its therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.
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