In this study, rifampicin-loaded microparticles were designed for intra ocular injection after cataract surgery to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis. Microparticles were produced by emulsification diffusion method using PLGA as biodegradable polymer and PVA as stabilizer agent. Influence of formulation and process parameters on microparticle characteristics (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency…) was firstly investigated. Main parameters influencing the properties of particles were then identified by experimental design and formulation parameters were optimized to get desired particle sizes for intraocular delivery (between 1 and 10 μm) and the highest encapsulation of rifampicin. In vitro release studies of rifampicin in BSS at 37°C were performed showing firstly a burst release in 1 hour (more than 50% of rifampicin released), followed by a sustained release with a rifampicin concentration in the medium higher than the ICM50 on Staphylococcus epidermidis during 24h. Finally, the antimicrobial efficiency of rifampicin microparticles was evaluated on S. epidermidis. The results showed a higher bactericidal effect of encapsulated rifampicin than the control rifampicin solution; no bacteria were retrieved after 30h in the medium. Moreover, the antiadhesive property of rifampicin microparticles on intraocular lens (IOLs) was demonstrated since no bacteria were found on IOLs after 18h of incubation. From these experimental results, rifampicin encapsulated polymeric microparticles seem to be a good candidate for intraocular delivery of rifampicin in postoperative endophthalmitis prophylaxis
