Investigation of Rifampicin Loaded Interpenetrating Polymer Network (Ipn) Microspheres for the Treatment pf Tuberculosis

Rifampicin is a first-line antitubercular agent that is used with other anti-tubercular agents to treat tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The main objective of the present study was to prepare novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of locust bean gum (LBG) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to fom microspheres by emulsion cross-linking method to deliver model anti-tubercular drug, rifampicin. Various formulations were prepared by changing the ratio of LBG: PVA, extent of cross-linking in order to optimize the formulation variables on drug encapsulation efficiency and release rate. FTIR spectroscopy was done to confirm the formation of an interpenetrating network and the chemical stability of rifampicin after penetration of microspheres. Microspheres formed were spherical with smooth surfaces as revealed by phase contrast study. IPN formulation F9 composed of LBG: PVA (1:4) and glutaraldehyde (5.5 mL) gave the most advantageous entrapment (85.24 +/- 1.65%) and release results after 8 h (Q8h = 54.26 +/- 1.22%) in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) of pH 7.4 as compared to other compositions. These results suggest that the IPN microspheres are promising carriers for the controlled delivery of rifampicin in tuberculosis treatment.