In vitro controlled release of Rifampicin through liquid-crystalline folate nanoparticles

•Controlled release of Rifampicin by changing nanoparticle size and cross-linking.•Self-assembled structure offers high encapsulation (80–90%).•Active cellular uptake by alveolar macrophages.•Low/minimal cytotoxicity to macrophages. Rifampicin is one of the frontline drugs for tuberculosis therapy but poor bioavailability of Rifampicin in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs is a subject of concern. Nano-based formulations for sustained release of anti-tubercular drugs have been shown to increase antibacterial efficacy and pharmacokinetic behavior. In the present study, liquid-crystalline folate nanoparticles were designed for sustained delivery of Rifampicin and its in vitro release study is reported. Liquid-crystalline nanoparticles of biocompatible folate ions consist of self assembled structures, resulting in high encapsulation, controlled release and low drug losses of about 20-30%, which is significant in itself. This study reports the size-control method of forming Rifampicin encapsulated folate nanoparticles as well as the parameters to control the release profiles of Rifampicin through these nanoparticles. These designs are able to present sustained release for over 25 days. The effect of different parameters such as nanoparticles size, type of cross-linking cation, cross-linking cation concentration and drug-loading on Rifampicin release was studied in vitro. The intracellular uptake and low cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by alveolar macrophages was also demonstrated using fluorescence microscopy and MTT assay respectively.