Quercetin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles prepared by the thin-layer hydration method: Formulation development, colloidal stability, and structural properties

Abstract

Quercetin-loaded nano-niosomes based on both surfactant combinations (Tween 80/Span 80, and Tween 60/Span 60) in the presence of different additives (polyethylene glycol (PEG 400, 1500, and 10,000), Propylene glycol (PG), glycerol, and cholesterol) were developed using thin-layer hydration method. Results showed that the niosomal particles with the lowest size could be produced by using Tween 80/Span 80 and PEG 400 (<337 nm), and Tween 60/Span 60 and PEG 400 or PG (<415 nm). Applying the sonication at 7% amplification strength and 220 W power for 2 min prepared niosomes with a smaller size (<92 nm) in a narrow monomodal distribution. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of quercetin in nano-niosomes stabilized with Tween 60/Span 60 (78.9%) significantly was more than that of Tween 80/Span 80-based nano-niosomes (48.3%). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that the formed spherical nanoparticles have strong linkages between the used surfactants and quercetin. No significant change in the EE and particle size of quercetin nano-niosomes was found after 30 days of cold storage. The prepared colloidal systems may be used to design other stable antioxidant nanoparticles in the food and pharma formulations.