Niosomal Drug Delivery System Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of phthalimide-based niosomes and its investigation as a nano-drug delivery carrier to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin

To enhance the bioavailability and solubility issues of hydrophobic drugs, the development of cost-efficient nonionic surfactants has attracted scientific interest. The current study focuses on the development of phthalimide-based nonionic surfactant N, N-DPD, and its investigation as a niosomal drug delivery system for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin (CUR). Phthalimide-based nonionic surfactant was prepared via aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reaction and characterized by diverse analytical techniques by EI-MS,1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity were evaluated through an MTT assay against the NIH/3T3 cell line. The outcomes showed that the average size of N, N-DPD, and CUR-N, N-DPD vesicles were (277.4 ± 6.2) and (564.7 ± 28.1) nm, and negative zeta potential values (−28.3 ± 1.28) and (−29.2 ± 1.21) mV of these niosomal vesicles were evidence their higher stability. The developed N, N-DPD, and CUR-N, N-DPD vesicles show nearly spherical morphology as elucidated by AFM and SEM images. The CUR-N, N-DPD niosomes showed high drug encapsulation efficiency of about 64.1 ± 10.6 % and higher drug release of 80 ± 2.45 % at pH 6.8. The designed CUR-N, N-DPD niosomal vesicles depicted enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy when tested against ROS and NO generation in comparison with CUR alone. Moreover, our developed CUR-N, N-DPD vesicles show a significant apoptotic effect against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and compared with CUR. The outcomes of the study showed that our developed CUR-N, N-DPD vesicles are efficient in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of CUR.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials of vancomycin-loaded niosomal drug delivery system against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections

The threat of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing worldwide, making it significantly necessary to discover a novel way of dealing with related infections. The quick spread of MRSA isolates among infected individuals has heightened public health concerns and significantly limited treatment options. Vancomycin (VAN) can be applied to treat severe MRSA infections, and the indiscriminate administration of this antimicrobial agent has caused several concerns in medical settings. Owing to several advantageous characteristics, a niosomal drug delivery system may increase the potential of loaded antimicrobial agents. This work aims to examine the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of VAN-niosome against MRSA clinical isolates with emphasis on cytotoxicity and stability studies. Furthermore, we aim to suggest an effective approach against MRSA infections by investigating the inhibitory effect of formulated niosome on the expression of the biofilm-associated gene (icaR). The thin-film hydration approach was used to prepare the niosome (Tween 60, Span 60, and cholesterol), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), an in vitro drug release, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were used to investigate the physicochemical properties. The physical stability of VAN-niosome, including hydrodynamic size, polydispersity index (PDI), and EE%, was analyzed for a 30-day storage time at 4 °C and 25 °C. In addition, the human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cell line was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of synthesized niosome. Moreover, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs/MBCs) were applied to assess the antibacterial properties of niosomal VAN formulation. Also, the antibiofilm potential of VAN-niosome was investigated by microtiter plate (MTP) and real-time PCR methods. The FE-SEM result revealed that synthesized VAN-niosome had a spherical morphology. The hydrodynamic size and PDI of VAN-niosome reported by the DLS method were 201.2 nm and 0.301, respectively. Also, the surface zeta charge of the prepared niosome was − 35.4 mV, and the EE% ranged between 58.9 and 62.5%. Moreover, in vitro release study revealed a sustained-release profile for synthesized niosomal formulation. Our study showed that VAN-niosome had acceptable stability during a 30-day storage time. Additionally, the VAN-niosome had stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties against MRSA clinical isolates compared with free VAN. In conclusion, the result of our study demonstrated that niosomal VAN could be promising as a successful drug delivery system due to sustained drug release, negligible toxicity, and high encapsulation capacity. Also, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm studies showed the high capacity of VAN-niosome against MRSA clinical isolates. Furthermore, the results of real-time PCR exhibited that VAN-niosome could be proposed as a powerful strategy against MRSA biofilm via down-regulation of icaR gene expression.

Synthesis, Characterization, and In-Vitro Evaluation of Silibinin-loaded PEGylated Niosomal Nanoparticles: Potential Anti-Cancer Effects on SW480 Colon Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern with high mortality rates. Silibinin is a compound derived from milk thistle with anticancer properties and may be a potential treatment option for colorectal cancer. Its poor solubility limits its clinical application, but various strategies, such as nanoparticle encapsulation, have shown promise. In this study, a PEGylated niosomal drug delivery system was used to enhance the solubility of silibinin, and its anti-proliferative effects were evaluated against human colorectal cancer cell lines. The silibinin-loaded PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles (NIO-SIL) were fabricated using the thin-film hydration method and characterized with dialysis bag, AFM, SEM, DLS, and FTIR systems. Finally, the cancerous cells and human normal cells were treated with NIO-SIL and pure silibinin. The proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of these cells were evaluated. Subsequently, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, and cyclin D1 genes was measured using real-time PCR. The drug release profile, size, morphology, and chemical interactions of the synthesized PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles were suitable for use as a drug delivery system. Both pure silibinin and NIO-SIL could reduce the proliferation of cancerous cells, induce apoptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest, with no significant negative effects reported on human normal cells. Both pure silibinin and NIO-SIL reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 genes while increasing the expression of Bax and p53. (p-value < 0.05 *). The outcomes of this study indicate the high potential of PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of silibinin to cancer cells, with no negative effects on normal cells.

Surface modified niosomal quercetin with cationic lipid: an appropriate drug delivery system against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

The Increase in infections caused by resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a formidable challenge to global healthcare systems. P. aeruginosa is capable of causing severe human infections across diverse anatomical sites, presenting considerable therapeutic obstacles due to its heightened drug resistance. Niosomal drug delivery systems offer enhanced pharmaceutical potential for loaded contents due to their desirable properties, mainly providing a controlled-release profile. This study aimed to formulate an optimized niosomal drug delivery system incorporating stearylamine (SA) to augment the anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activities of quercetin (QCT) against both standard and clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. QCT-loaded niosome (QCT-niosome) and QCT-loaded SA- niosome (QCT-SA- niosome) were synthesized by the thin-film hydration technique, and their physicochemical characteristics were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), zeta potential measurement, entrapment efficacy (EE%), and in vitro release profile. The anti-P. aeruginosa activity of synthesized niosomes was assessed using minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs/MBCs) and compared with free QCT. Additionally, the minimum biofilm inhibitory and eradication concentrations (MBICs/MBECs) were carried out to analyze the ability of QCT-niosome and QCT-SA-niosome against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the L929 mouse fibroblasts cell line to evaluate the biocompatibility of the formulated niosomes. FE-SEM analysis revealed that both synthesized niosomal formulations exhibited spherical morphology with different sizes (57.4 nm for QCT-niosome and 178.9 nm for QCT-SA-niosome). The EE% for cationic and standard niosomal formulations was reported at 75.9% and 59.6%, respectively. Both formulations showed an in vitro sustained-release profile, and QCT-SA-niosome exhibited greater stability during a 4-month storage time compared to QCT-niosome. Microbial experiments indicated that both prepared formulations had higher anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activities than free QCT. Also, the QCT-SA-niosome exhibited greater reductions in MIC, MBC, MBIC, and MBEC values compared to the QCT-niosome at equivalent concentrations. This study supports the potential of QCT-niosome and QCT-SA-niosome as effective agents against P. aeruginosa infections, manifesting significant anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy alongside biocompatibility with L929 cell lines. Furthermore, our results suggest that optimized QCT-niosome with cationic lipids could efficiently target P. aeruginosa cells with negligible cytotoxic effect.

Niosomal Drug Delivery System used in Tuberculosis

Niosomes are artificially manufactured vesicles made of Cholesterol and Non-ionic surfactant. Their capacity to encapsulate a broad variety of pharmaceuticals and shield them from deterioration has piqued interest in drug delivery. Niosomes have demonstrated a possible use in the administration of anti-tuberculosis medications. Worldwide, tuberculosis is a serious public health concern. Even with advances in science and technology, tuberculosis remains a persistent problem.Niosomes can encapsulate anti-TB drugs, protecting them from enzymatic degradation and allowing for sustained release. Research in this field is on-going, with scientists working on optimizing niosomal formulations for tuberculosis treatment. It's important to consult current scientific literature for the latest advancements. Some anti-tubercular drugs face challenges in terms of absorption and bioavailability. Niosomal delivery systems can help address these issues. While niosomal drug delivery systems show promise, it's crucial to note that they are still an area of active research and specific formulations and protocols may vary. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for the most appropriate and up-to-date treatment options for tuberculosis. Niosomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, offering advantages such as increased drug stability, prolonged circulation time, controlled release, and targeted delivery. They have applications in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture.&#x0D; Keywords: Tuberculosis, Niosomes, Drug delivery system

Composition, preparation methods, and applications of nanoniosomes as codelivery systems: a review of emerging therapies with emphasis on cancer.

Nanoniosome-based drug codelivery systems have become popular therapeutic instruments, demonstrating tremendous promise in cancer therapy, infection treatment, and other therapeutic domains. An emerging form of vesicular nanocarriers, niosomes are self-assembling vesicles composed of nonionic surfactants, along with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. This comprehensive review focuses on how nanosystems may aid in making anticancer and antibacterial pharmaceuticals more stable and soluble. As malleable nanodelivery instruments, the composition, types, preparation procedures, and variables affecting the structure and stability of niosomes are extensively investigated. In addition, the advantages of dual niosomes for combination therapy and the administration of multiple medications simultaneously are highlighted. Along with categorizing niosomal drug delivery systems, a comprehensive analysis of various preparation techniques, including thin-layer injection, ether injection, and microfluidization, is provided. Dual niosomes for cancer treatment are discussed in detail regarding the codelivery of two medications and the codelivery of a drug with organic, plant-based bioactive compounds or gene agents. In addition, niogelosomes and metallic niosomal carriers for targeted distribution are discussed. The review also investigates the simultaneous delivery of bioactive substances and gene agents, including siRNA, microRNA, shRNA, lncRNA, and DNA. Additional sections discuss the use of dual niosomes for cutaneous drug delivery and treating leishmanial infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study concludes by delineating the challenges and potential routes for nanoniosome-based pharmaceutical codelivery systems, which will be useful for nanomedicine practitioners and researchers.

In vitro hepatotoxicity evaluation of methotrexate-loaded niosome formulation: fabrication, characterization and cell culture studies.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist that is widely used to treat osteosarcoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The most important concerns with MTX are its poor solubility and high toxicity, particularly in liver cells. To enhance its solubility and to minimize its toxicity, we encapsulated MTX in niosomes and investigated its hepatotoxicity mechanisms using genetic biomarkers. Niosomes were successfully prepared using a modified thin film method, and the prepared monodisperse smallsized formulation was subsequently characterized. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed both in hepatocarcinoma (HEP3G) and healthy liver (AML12) cell lines. Specifically, immunofluorescence assay and evaluation of the expression levels of apoptotic, antioxidant, heat shock protein, and oxidative stress genes were performed. The formulation had a particle size of 117.1 ± 33 nm, a surface charge of -38.41 ± 0.7 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 59.7% ± 2.3%. The results showed that the niosomal formulation exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic effects in HEP3G than in AML12. The immunofluorescence and genetic analyses showed that the increased cytotoxicity of niosomes resulted mainly from oxidative stress and slight apoptosis. These results demonstrated that niosomal drug delivery systems could be a new potential formulation for minimizing MTX-related hepatotoxicity.

Synthesis of non-ionic surfactants nano-vesicles for clarithromycin oral delivery

Abstract In order to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, the synthesis of cost-effective nonionic surfactants has been the subject of greater scientific interest. The present study focuses on the synthesis of sulfonyl chloride derivatives as nonionic surfactants (surfactant 1 and surfactant 2) and their evaluation for the preparation of a clarithromycin-loaded niosomal drug delivery system. Surfactants 1 and 2 were characterised by EI-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The shape and size of the drug-loaded niosomal vesicles from the synthesised surfactants were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and revealed a round morphology with an average size of (230.8 ± 2.35) nm and (248.1 ± 2.54) nm for the vesicles of surfactant 1 and surfactant 2, respectively. The zeta potential of surfactant 1-based niosomal vesicles was (– 7.70 ± 1.00) mV and that of surfactant 2 was (−14.6 ± 1.08) mV. The lower zeta potential values for surfactant 1 and surfactant 2-based niosomal vesicles showed that these vesicles were neutral and relatively stable. The vesicles of surfactant 1 and 2 have a capacity to entrap the drug of about (62 ± 2.26) % and (69.67 ± 3.23) %, respectively. The vesicles of surfactant 1 released the largest amount of drug, i.e. (70.00 ± 2.45) % at pH 1.2. Biocompatibility in human blood and toxic effects on various cell lines were also studied for surfactants 1 and 2, and they were found to be biocompatible and non-cytotoxic.

Characterization and optimization of co-delivery Farnesol-Gingerol Niosomal formulation to enhance anticancer activities against breast cancer cells

The current investigation is designed to formulate and characterize an optimized Farnesol-Gingerol-loaded (N-Far/Gin) niosomal drug delivery system as a therapeutic approach for breast cancer. The formulation was optimized by altering the surfactant:cholesterol ratio, Span 60:Tween 60 ratio and lipid content, resulting in niosomes with acceptable encapsulation and a controlled release profile. The optimized niosomal formulation demonstrated excellent stability for up to two months with only slight alterations in size and drug encapsulation quality during the storage period. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a pH-dependent release pattern, with delayed drug release under physiological conditions (pH 7.4) and substantial drug release under acidic conditions (pH 5.4), meaning these niosomes display a potent therapeutic potential for breast cancer. Cytotoxicity assays showed a biocompatibility of N-Far/Gin with normal cells while exhibiting inhibitory activity on MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines. The N-Far/Gin down-regulated gene expression levels of BCL2, HER2, CDK4, CCND1, and CCNE while up-regulating gene expression levels of P21, BAX, CASP3, and CASP9 in breast cancer cell lines. Apoptosis assays indicated that N-Far/Gin induces apoptosis in both MCF7 and SKBR3 cell lines, which can be attributed to the synergic efficacy of the two agents. The ROS assay revealed high antioxidant activity of the N-Far/Gin formulation. The experimental findings from this study highlight the importance of highly biocompatible niosomal formulations to the future of nanomedicine; the co-delivery of two phytochemical compounds into cancer cells could enhance therapy effectiveness due to the synergistic impact.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Niosomal Drug Delivery System Containing Cefazolin and Study of Its Antibacterial Activity

Preparation and Evaluation of a Niosomal Drug Delivery System Containing Cefazolin and Study of Its Antibacterial Activity

Niosomes as Modern Drug Carrier Systems: Concepts and Advancements

Drug delivery systems are formulations that convey medicine to the target site of action inside the body. A good carrier protects the medicine from being broken down or removed quickly, resulting in higher drug concentration in the target tissues. Because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-immunogenic character, niosomes, which are formed by the self-association of non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol in an aqueous phase, are prospective drug carriers. In recent years, several study articles have been published in scientific publications describing the capacity of niosomes to function as a carrier for the delivery of different types of drugs. The present study examines niosomal drug delivery systems’ manufacturing processes, characterization methodologies, and latest research, as well as offering up-to-date information on novel niosomal drug delivery applications.

Development and Evaluation of Niosomal Gel for TransdermalApplication of steroidal API

Niosomal drug delivery system serves as drug depots within the body that release the drug in a controlled manner through its bilayer, providing the enclosed drug to be released with sustainedaction.Transdermal drug delivery system for steroidal drug molecules through the development of a niosomal gel is needed for an optimized drug delivery system due to various problems associated with conventional treatment of steroidal molecule. The objective of this study was to develop a niosomalgel-based formulation system for testosterone steroidal molecule dissolved in a mixture of non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol in nanoparticulate form and evaluation of niosomal gel by different optimization parameters. The niosomal gel dispersion was prepared by heating system technique.The drug loaded niosomes showed much less vesicle size [10 - 500 nm] and good PDI, which means that the drug loaded can easily permeate the skin. Niosomal based gel was formulated by using the xanthan gum as gelling agent by optimizing different concentration of different gelling agents to get the best consistency of final niosomal gel. Various measurement parameters such as product quality, pH, purity, homogeneity, spread ability, viscosity, In vitro drug release, particle size determination, zeta potential, FTIR studies and TEM analysis were done to optimize the best batch.Entrapment efficiency was very good with value of 92.17 ± 0.02 percent. Niosomal gel has been found to exhibit strong consistency, good homogeneity, spread ability, and viscosity parameters.Studies of FTIR showed no excipient interaction with the API molecule. TEM images showed that all the particles were in uniform range in niosomal dispersion.Data on the release of in vitro drugs also showed that the release pattern was comparable to the industry formula. The niosomalbased gel formulation developed can be a promising alternative to delivering steroidalbased molecule to minimize the side effects due to skin problems as well as to increase the permeation rate of steroids by using transdermal drug delivery.

Formulation and evaluation of berberine hcl as niosomal drug delivery system

Non-ionic surfactant based vesicles known as niosomes. Vesicular system are lamellar structure, which delivery both the drug (hydrophobic and hydrophilic), encapsulated into interior hydrophilic compartment and outer lipid layer respectively. Berberine HCl noisome gel formulation show anti-microbial activity. Berberine HCl is an isoquinoline alkaloid which shows anti- microbial activity on various bacteria and fungi. The formulation of Berberine HCl noisome was prepared by using thin-film hydration technique by using different concentration of non-ionic surfactant span60 and cholesterol with optimized various process variables. The optimized gel formulation of niosomes was characterized for entrapment efficiency, particles size, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and in-vitro drug release study. The stability study was performed at various temperature.

Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of niosomal drug delivery system for aceclofenac.

In the past few decades, considerable attention has been focused on the development of new drug delivery system (NDDS). The NDDS should ideally fulfill two prerequisites. Firstly, it should deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body, over the period of treatment. Secondly, it should channel the active entity to the site of action. Conventional dosage forms including prolonged release dosage forms are unable to meet none of these. At present, no available drug delivery system behaves ideally, but sincere attempts have been made to achieve them through various novel approaches in drug delivery. The aim of present work is to develop a niosomal drug delivery system of aceclofenac. To perform drug-polymer compatibility FT-IR studies were carried out and observed that there was no interaction between the APl and excipients. 8 niosomal formulations are prepared by the thin film hydration method using the cholesterol as the phospholipid. Prepared niosomal formulations were characterized by vesicle size, shape, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, drug content and invitro drug release studies. The vesicle size, size distribution and zeta potential of the optimized formulation (F5) was found to be 65.6 nm and zeta potential was found to be -1.5mV. Size distribution curve confirms the normal size distribution of the vesicles. The % entrapment efficiency of niosomal vesicles formulations were found to be in the range of 54.18±0.59 to 92.71±0.56 and optimized formulation was found to be 92.71±0.56 and drug content of niosomes formulations (F1to F8) were determined to be in the range of 94.6 -97.8%. The pH of all topical niosomal gels were found to be in the range of 7.4±0.02 to 7.4±0.08.The best fit with higher correlation (r2&gt; 0.99) was found with the Zero Order Release and follows Korsemeyer peppas equation for all the formulations, which means that release of Aceclofenac from the lipid bilayer vesicles were due to diffusion. The stability studies were carried out and there was no significant change found in the formulations.

NIOSOMES AS AN EMERGING FORMULATION TOOL FOR DRUG DELIVERY-A REVIEW

Nonionic surfactant based vesicles which are uni/multilamellar in structures are called niosomes. These vesicles contains an aqueous interior surrounded by one or more amphiphilic bilayer membrane forming surfactant which separates them from the bulk solution, and are also called as supramolecular aggregates. Niosomes, being an efficient drug delivery system, investigations are carried out to utilize this system to treat various disorders, to promote improved patient compliance, lesser side effects, reduction in dose, lesser dosage frequency, and higher amount of the drug at the particular site so as to lessen an excessive contact with the whole body. The Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic profile of Niosomal drug delivery system vary for various entrapped drugs. Drugs that are successful in the mitigation or treatment of CNS disorders should cross the BBB to reach the brain, as BBB seems to be an obstacle for a large number of drugs, including CNS active drugs. This article compiles recent techniques for the preparation and characterization of niosomes, the effect of formulation variables on its physicochemical properties and discussed about its effective applications in drug delivery.

Hydrophilically modified self-assembling α-tocopherol derivative as niosomal nanocarrier for improving clarithromycin oral bioavailability

Synthesis of biocompatible and cost-effective novel nonionic surfactants from renewable resources has been the subject of greater scientific interest for enhancing the bioavailability of less water-soluble drugs. The present study focuses on the synthesis of α-tocopherol-based novel biocompatible nonionic surfactant and its evaluation for forming clarithromycin-loaded niosomal drug delivery system. α-tocopherol was hydrophilically modified through multistep reactions and characterized using mass and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. Drug-loaded niosomal vesicles were investigated for entrapment efficiency (%EE), size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ) and morphology using LC-MS, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Blood haemolysis, cell culture and acute toxicity tests were performed to investigate its biocompatibility. In vivo oral bioavailability of clarithromycin loaded in niosomal formulation was studied in rabbits. The vesicles were spherical in shape and entrapped up to 75 ± 2.57% of the drug. They exhibited a homogeneous size distribution with a mean diameter of 245 ± 4.66 nm. The surfactant was quite haemocompatible, low cytotoxic and safe in mice. Improved oral bioavailability of clarithromycin was achieved when carried in α-tocopherol-based niosomes. Results obtained showed that the synthesized amphiphile is biocompatible and has excellent capability for formation of niosomal vesicles and enhancing oral bioavailability of less water-soluble drugs like clarithromycin.

Double-tailed acyl glycoside niosomal nanocarrier for enhanced oral bioavailability of Cefixime

Novel, safe, efficient, and cost effective surfactants from renewable resources has attracted attention for enhancing solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic dugs. We report the synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of a novel non-ionic acyl glycoside double-tailed surfactant for niosomal drug delivery system. Structure of the surfactant was confirmed by 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy. Applications of surfactant in niosomal drug delivery were explored using Cefixime as model. The shape, size, and polydispersity index (PDI) of drug loaded vesicles were investigated with atomic force microscope (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug entrapping efficiency (EE%) was determined using HPLC. Biocompatibility of the surfactant was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity, blood hemolysis, and in vivo acute toxicity. Bioavailability of the surfactant based formulation was investigated in rabbits using HPLC. Vesicles were found to be 159.76 ± 6.54 nm with narrow size distribution and spherical shape. EE% was found to be 71.39 ± 3.52%. Novel surfactant was non-cytotoxicity and hemo-compatible even at 1000 μg/mL concentration and was safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. The in vivo bioavailability of niosomal formulation showed elevated plasma concentration and decreased clearance of Cefixime. Current findings reveal that this novel surfactant is biocompatible and could be employed for niosomal drug delivery.

Development and in-vitro characterization of sorbitan monolaurate and poloxamer 184 based niosomes for oral delivery of diacerein

The aim of the study was to develop a niosomal drug delivery system for poorly soluble drugs with sorbitan monolaurate, poloxamer 184 and their mixture (sorbitan monolaurate and poloxamer 184) forming the niosomal surfactant system. Diacerein, a highly lipophilic antiosteoarthritic drug, was used as a model drug: it has variable oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. The diacerein loaded niosomes were prepared with 1:1, 6:4 and 7:3 surfactant to cholesterol ratios at constant levels of dicetyl phosphate (2.5%) as a negative charge imparting agent. All studied ratios of surfactant to cholesterol produced diacerein loaded niosomes sized from 350 to 1000nm and with PDI values below 0.5. The transmission electron microscope images revealed well defined spherical vesicles. Mixed system formulations showed better entrapment efficiencies, with the best composition the entrapment efficiency being 90.5%, with smaller particle sizes and lower PDI values in comparison to formulations prepared with pure surfactant systems. With increasing cholesterol amount the niosomes were smaller, with more drug entrapped and better long term stability. Drug release studies showed improved dissolution profiles of all the niosomal formulations compared to pure diacerein.

Niosomes: a potential tool for novel drug delivery

Vesicular drug delivery system are novel means to improve the bioavailability of the encapsulated drug along with numerous advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. Liposomes were first in such type of delivery systems but it was not so successful due to their numerous drawbacks. Niosomes or non ionic surfactant vesicles are formed from self assembly of hydrated surfactant monomers. They are formulated by non ionic surfactants but various ionic amphiphiles like di cetyl phosphate, sodium deoxycholate and stearylamine etc. are also incorporated inorder to achieve a stable vesicular suspension by inducing negative or positive charge. The most striking feature of such delivery system is that it can be used to encapsulate both hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drug. The emphasis of this type of vesicular drug delivery system is placed over the slow release of drug in a controlled manner, resulting into sustained activity, reduced toxicity, protection of active moiety, targeting, modification in distribution profile of drugs and enhancing the bioavailability of encapsulated drug. This article summarizes the merits of niosomal drug delivery system over conventional drug therapy, its structural components, factors affecting its formation, method of preparation, evaluation techniques, therapeutic applications and patents.

Niosomes as Nanoparticular Drug Carriers: Fundamentals and Recent Applications

Drug delivery systems are defined as formulations aiming for transportation of a drug to the desired area of action within the body. The basic component of drug delivery systems is an appropriate carrier that protects the drug from rapid degradation or clearance and thereby enhances drug concentration in target tissues. Based on their biodegradable, biocompatible, and nonimmunogenic structure, niosomes are promising drug carriers that are formed by self-association of nonionic surfactants and cholesterol in an aqueous phase. In recent years, numerous research articles have been published in scientific journals reporting the potential of niosomes to serve as a carrier for the delivery of different types of drugs. The present review describes preparation methods, characterization techniques, and recent studies on niosomal drug delivery systems and also gives up to date information regarding recent applications of niosomes in drug delivery.