Investigating the efficacy of polymeric nanoparticle -encapsulated Rifampicin against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms

Investigating the efficacy of polymeric nanoparticle -encapsulated Rifampicin against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms

Warwick Medical School

'This summer, I joined the Unnikrishnan Lab at Warwick Medical School, where my project focused on addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I investigated the potential of polymeric nanoparticle systems as a novel approach to antibiotic delivery. These nanoparticles act to encapsulate antibiotics, penetrate bacterial biofilms and release their payload at the target site, potentially improving antimicrobial efficacy against biofilm-associated bacteria. The project involved evaluating the in vitro efficacy of these nanoparticle formulations in delivering Rifampicin to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms to determine their potential as an effective strategy for enhancing antibiotic delivery and combating biofilm-associated infections. These results successfully showed that nanoparticle-encapsulated Rifampicin retains its antimicrobial activity against S. aureus biofilms.

Sharon Oladapo

2026