An Approach to Treat Conundrum of Skin Cancer: Bioactive Loaded Niosomes

Abstract

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most life-threatening and progressive diseases nowadays, majorly resulting from the cumulative effect of genetic and environmental exposure including UV rays and numerous pollutants. UV radiation stimulates the excessive generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Reactive nitrogen species (RNS), altering numerous signaling and inflammatory pathways and cumulatively causing alteration at numerous genetic and inflammatory levels. Numerous treatment strategies have been proposed for this purpose, and it has been found that antioxidants could play a crucial role in regulating inflammation at certain levels. Among numerous treatment strategies, natural flavonoid quercetin could play a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative stress as it is enriched with anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The activities of quercetin could be further enhanced by administrating it through novel systems. Objective: Thus, the present article focuses on the delivery of natural flavonoid quercetin via novel carrier noisome to enhance targeting potency and safety efficacy. Method: Optimized quercetin-loaded niosomes were prepared by mechanical shaking method followed by solvent evaporation and altering the ratio of cholesterol and span 80. In vitro characterization was performed for morphology, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency and drug release. Result: The optimized niosome was reported to have a size range of 120 nm, entrapment efficiency (80%-85%) and followed zero order kinetics. Conclusion: Optimized quercetin-loaded niosomes were successfully formulated and characterized for controlled drug delivery.