Antibacterial potential of rutin nanoformulations: Current insights and future directions

Rutin, a plant-derived flavonoid, exhibits broad pharmacological activities, including antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, its clinical and industrial applications are restricted by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and instability under physiological conditions. To address these limitations, several nanoformulation strategies have been developed, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, nanoemulsions, and micro- and nano-encapsulation techniques. These approaches have been shown to improve rutin’s solubility, dispersibility, colloidal stability, and antibacterial potency in experimental studies. Nanoformulation strategies improve solubility, stability, and controlled release, but most findings remain preclinical, with limited in vivo validation and insufficient knowledge regarding industrial-scale manufacturing. This review consolidates current data on rutin nanoformulations, emphasizing their antibacterial activity and physicochemical improvements, while also identifying key limitations that must be addressed before clinical translation. • Rutin's clinical utility is limited by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. • Rutin exhibits broad antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. • Nanocarrier systems significantly enhance rutin’s solubility, stability, and controlled release. • Stimuli-responsive, hybrid, and co-delivery nanoplatforms with antibiotics or phytochemicals offer novel therapeutic strategies.