Yousra Bahron1 
,
Mahmud Treki2
For correspondence:- Yousra Bahron Email: Y.bahron@zu.edu.ly Tel:00218927236541
Received: 21 May 2026 Accepted: 20 October 2026 Published: 31 October 2026
Citation: Bahron Y, Treki M. Formulation and characterization of sustained-release rifampicin-loaded beeswax microparticles. Trop J Pharm Res 2026; 25(10):1345-1352 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v25i10.2
© 2026 The authors.
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Purpose: To develop rifampicin-loaded microparticles as a polymer-based delivery system capable of providing sustained drug release. Methods: A meltable dispersion and cooling technique was used to create the microparticles. Various ratios of beeswax were employed as a release-controlling matrix in an effort to improve the formed microparticles’ effectiveness, additional excipients, specifically cetyl alcohol (CA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were added to the formulations. The micromeritic characteristics, drug content, drug-polymer compatibility, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro drug release profile of the microparticles were all described. Additionally, the impact of the excipients’ incorporation on drug release was examined. Results: The microparticles had good flow characteristics and were distinct granules. The drug content ranged from 65.1 to 112.9 %, with a yield value of up to 98.9 %. The medication and the additional polymers did not interact, according to a Fourier transform infrared analysis. The granules possessed antibacterial qualities just as potent as the free medication, according to the antimicrobial investigation. Depending on the concentration of beeswax, in vitro release experiments showed that the drug release was maintained for up to 6 h; however, the addition of the excipients had no significant impact on drug release (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A sustained-release dosage form of rifampicin has been produced by a simple and reproducible method.
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