Preparation Of Niosomes Research Articles

A comparative study between two manufacturing processes for venlafaxine-loaded niosome (Nioven) production: optimization, characterization, pharmacokinetic investigations, depression management, and gene assessment

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can deeply affect a person’s quality of life, and the importance of treatment for depression cannot be overstated. The aim of this study is to compare ultrasonication procedure as green method and thin film hydration technique as conventional way for preparation of niosome to increase venlafaxine HCl brain delivery and investigate BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) gene expression. Both approaches provided well-defined sphere particles; however, the green method (ultrasonication) manufactured smaller particle size (96.93 ± 3.82 nm), narrower size distribution (0.206 ± 0.006) niosomes with a higher entrapment efficiency (58.06 ± 1.45%) than the conventional method (p < 0.05). Moreover, the cytotoxicity examination revealed that the ultrasonication method prepared safe formulation and exhibited greater cellular safety than pure venlafaxine significantly (p < 0.05). The quantity of venlafaxine acquired by the brain following oral administration from green niosome made via ultrasonication (1222.077 ± 109.692 ng/mL) was substantially more than that of the venlafaxine solution and conventional niosome (p < 0.05). Green niosome substantially decreased the immobility period in the force swim test (61.666 ± 5.085 sec) and tail suspension test (62.500 ± 5.319 sec) in comparison with conventional niosome and venlafaxine in animal model of depression (p < 0.05). Green niosomes enhance venlafaxine’s antidepressant effect over conventional methods. Accordingly, green and conventional venlafaxine-niosome as well as its simple solution reversed the decreased BDNF gene expression in maternally separated mice, albeit there was no difference between different formulations (p > 0.05). Consequently, it was discovered that oral green venlafaxine niosome was a viable preparation for the management of depression, given its pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic effects in animals.

Niosome Preparation Techniques and Structure—An Illustrated Review

A comprehensive review of recent research on niosomes was conducted using a mixed methodology, including searches in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (WoS). Articles were selected based on relevance. The current review examines the historical development of niosomes focusing on the methods of preparations and the contemporary strategies and prospective advancements within the realm of drug delivery systems, highlighting innovative approaches across transdermal, oral, and cellular delivery. This review reported the method of niosomes preparations including a new and novel approach for the preparation of niosomes known as the ball milling method (BM). This technique allows for the precise manipulation of size and shape, leading to improvements in drug release, encapsulation efficiency, and uniformity compared to traditional methods. Niosomes can serve as carriers for delivering various types of drugs, including hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic. This improves the efficiency of encapsulating different drugs, the size of targeted particles, and the desired zeta potential. This is achieved by using a specific charge-inducing agent for drug delivery and targeting specific diseases. These efforts are crucial for overcoming the current limitations and unlocking the full therapeutic potential of modern medicine.

Investigation of the Apoptotic and Antimetastatic Effects of Nano-Niosomes Containing the Plant Extract Anabasis setifera on HeLa: In Vitro Cervical Cancer Study.

The present study focuses on the preparation of niosomes containing an extract of Anabasis setifera and evaluates their efficacy in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of HeLa cells. Thin-layer hydration technique was used to prepare niosomes/extract nanoparticles (NPs). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized NPs were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and FTIR. The cytotoxicity of the free extract, free niosome, and NPs was investigated by MTT (3-(4, 5-diMethylThiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylTetrazolium bromide) assay. For this purpose, solutions of the three mentioned agents were prepared and diluted in 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25µg/mL concentrations and incubated for 24, 48, and 72h. After calculating the IC50 concentration and treating the cells with this concentration, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (to measure changes in the expression of apoptosis and metastasis genes), flow cytometry (to determine the amount of early and late induced apoptosis), and cell cycle test (to determine the stopping stage of the cancer cell division cycle) were performed. Moreover, the scratch test (the ability to inhibit cell metastasis after treatment) was used to evaluate cell migration. The MTT assay results showed that 72h of treatment with NPs has the greatest effect on the death of cancer cells. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of the Bad gene increased dramatically and the expression of the BCL-XL, integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5), and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB-1) genes decreased significantly. The flow cytometry results showed that 48.64% of HeLa cells underwent apoptosis after treatment with synthesized NPs. The scratch test results showed that cancer cell metastasis stopped after treatment with NPs. The research demonstrates the significant potential of plant extract-loaded niosomes, as highly efficient drug carriers for cancer therapy.

Non-Ionic Surfactant Vesicles (Niosomes): Structure, Functions, Classification and its Advances in Enhanced Drug Delivery.

Non-ionic surfactant vesicles, commonly known as niosomes, have gained significant attention in the field of drug delivery because of their unique properties and advantages. Niosomes are self-assembled vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol that can entrap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs within their aqueous core or bilayer. This versatile drug delivery system offers improved stability, prolonged release profiles, reduced toxicity, and enhanced efficacy for a wide range of therapeutic agents. This comprehensive article delves into the structure, function, classification, and advances in niosomes for enhanced drug delivery. It explores various nonionic surfactants used for niosome formulation and discusses their impact on encapsulation efficiency and stability. Moreover, it highlights the application of niosomes in the delivery of small molecules, proteins, and plant-derived natural products. This article provides an overview of the different formulation methods employed for niosome preparation and discusses recent advancements that have expanded their potential applications in targeted drug delivery systems.

Preparation and Characterization of Tiamulin-Loaded Niosomes for Oral Bioavailability Enhancement in Mycoplasma-Infected Broilers

Mycoplasma infections pose significant challenges in the poultry industry, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. Tiamulin, a veterinary antibiotic, has demonstrated efficacy against Mycoplasma species. However, the emergence of resistant Mycoplasma species could dramatically reduce the therapeutic potential, contributing to economic losses. Optimizing the tiamulin’s pharmacokinetic profile via nanocarrier incorporation could enhance its therapeutic potential and reduce the administration frequency, ultimately reducing the resistant strain emergence. Niosomes, a type of self-assembled non-ionic surfactant-based nanocarrier, have emerged as a promising drug delivery system, offering improved drug stability, sustained release, and enhanced bioavailability. In this study, niosomal nanocarriers encapsulating tiamulin were prepared, characterized and assessed in Mycoplasma-inoculated broilers following oral administration. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) confirmed the alterations in the crystalline state following components integration into the self-assembled structures formed during the formulation procedure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the spherical nanostructure of the formed niosomes. The formulated nanocarriers exhibited a zeta potential and average hydrodynamic diameter of −10.65 ± 1.37 mV and 339.67 ± 30.88 nm, respectively. Assessment of the pharmacokinetic parameters following oral administration to Mycoplasma gallisepticum-infected broilers revealed the ability of the niosomal nanocarriers to increase the tiamulin’s bioavailability and systemic exposure, marked by significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) (p &lt; 0.01) and prolonged elimination half-life (T1/2) (p &lt; 0.05). Enhanced bioavailability and prolonged residence time are crucial factors in maintaining therapeutic concentrations at reduced doses and administration frequencies. This approach provides a viable strategy to decrease the risk of subtherapeutic levels, thereby mitigating the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings presented herein offer a sustainable approach for the efficient use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine.

Comparative Study of Lycopene-Loaded Niosomes Prepared by Microfluidic and Thin-Film Hydration Techniques for UVB Protection and Anti-Hyperpigmentation Activity.

Niosomes are employed for their improved physical properties and stability and as a controlled delivery system. However, their large-scale production and different preparation methods affect their physical properties. The microfluidic method represents a novel approach to the preparation of niosomes that enables precise control and decreases the preparation time and steps compared to alternative methods. The UVB protection and anti-hyperpigmentation activities of lycopene-loaded niosomes prepared by microfluidic (MF) and novel conventional thin-film hydration (THF) methods were compared. Extract powders from tomatoes (T), carrots (C), and mixed red vegetables (MR) were utilized to prepare lycopene-rich extract-entrapped niosomes. The resulting niosome formulations were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, FT-IR spectra, entrapment efficiency, lycopene-release profile, permeation, and stability. The lycopene extract-niosome formulations were evaluated for their potential to provide UVB protection to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and for their anti-melanogenesis effects on B16F10 melanoma cells. The results indicated that niosomes prepared by the MF method exhibited high uniformity and homogeneity (reflected by a low PDI value) and maintained smaller sizes when processed through a chip utilizing a hydrodynamic flow-focusing (HFF) platform compared to THF niosomes. The release kinetics of all lycopene-niosome formulations followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The FT-IR spectra indicated that lycopene was incorporated into the niosome bilaminar membrane. Moreover, niosomes obtained from MF demonstrated enhanced stability during heating-cooling cycles, along with high UVB protection and anti-melanogenesis effects. Therefore, these developed niosome preparation methods could be effectively applied to topical products.

Preparation and characterization of niosomes for the delivery of a lipophilic model drug: comparative stability study with liposomes against phospholipase-A2

Vesicular nanocarriers like niosomes and liposomes are widely researched for controlled drug delivery systems, with niosomes emerging as promising alternatives due to their higher stability and ease of manufacturing. This study aimed to develop and characterize a niosomal formulation for the encapsulation and sustained release of temozolomide (TMZ), a model lipophilic drug, and to compare the stability of niosomes and liposomes, with a particular focus on the behavior of their lipid bilayers. Niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, composed of Span 60 (Sorbitan monostearate), cholesterol, and soy lecithin in varying molar ratios. The study investigated critical properties such as drug loading capacity, release kinetics, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The optimized formulation was analyzed for drug entrapment efficiency and stability against phospholipase A2 (PLA2) degradation. The optimized niosomal formulation, with a 4:2:1 molar ratio of Span 60: cholesterol, achieved a high TMZ entrapment efficiency of 73.23 ± 1.02% and demonstrated sustained drug release over 24 hours. In comparison, liposomes released their TMZ payload within 4 hours upon exposure to PLA2, while the niosomes maintained their release profile, indicating superior stability. Spectroscopic and thermal analysis confirmed successful drug encapsulation with no component incompatibilities.

Variables Affecting the Preparation and Characterization of Axitinib as Oral Niosmoes

Axitinib is anticancer drug act on different solid tumors by inhibtion protein kinase enzyme which is responsible for support the tumors with blood demand. Due to its low solubility, it has low bioavailability when given orally also it is affected by liver metabolism. Axitinib formulated as non-ionic vesicles (niosomes) for the first time to study the effect of different variables on the in vitro behaviour of vesicles in a hope to improve drug oral bioavailability. Niosomal dispersion formulas were formulated by diverse techniques via multiple kinds of surface-active agent (tween also span), cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate then evaluated for visual appearance, efficiency of drug entrapment (EE%), size of the vesicles, poly dispersity index, zetapotential, viscosity, invitro drug release and study the vesicles morphology by FE-SEM. Many variables effect on EE% were studied such as effect of surfactant amount and type, effect of surfactant combination, impact of various ratios of cholesterol, impact of DCP in various amount , effect of preparation method and effect of sonication time. The results showed that the EE% between (50.97%-98.24%), the particle size was found within the range (64.5 nm - 530.79 nm), zeta potential which was between ( -16.6 to -31 mV), polydispersity index (PDI) &lt;1 and viscosity between (584 – 889.6) centipoise. The niosomal dispersion F1 which contained 1:1 weight ratio (span60: cholesterol) was found with high EE% (96.5±0.16%), smallest particle size (64.5±0.5 nm), highest drug release (100%) of drug released at the end of 4 hours and FE-SEM photograph showed that niosomes were spherical with no aggregation and had a smooth surface. The results showed that thin film hydration method with sonication for four minutes was the best method for preparation of axitinib niosomes, the type and amount of surfactants used, cholesterol ratio, stabilizer and the time of sonication had a substantial effect on EE%, the size of the vesicles as well as drug release; which were investigated so as to optimize the niosomal dispersion of anti-tumour drug reaching to an optimum formula that may improve drug bioavailability. Key words: Axitinib, Anticancer, Vesicles, Surfactants, Invitro behaviour, Entrapment efficiency.

Niosome preparation of atorvastatin drug with green preparation approach for in-vitro study of transdermal absorption with lavender essential oil

Introduction: Studies have pointef to anti-inflammatory properties of atorvastatin. In this research, noisome nanoparticles have been used to increase skin penetration and drug retention. Method: Atorvastatin niosomes were prepared using the sonication method. The effect of cholesterol: surfactant mixture ratio was investigated on physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. Studies have been performed on the morphological features, and characterization of nanoparticles. The toxicity of optimal formulation was investigated on a normal human fibroblast cell line. Different percentages of lavender essential oil were added to the optimal formulation gel, and skin drug delivery studies were performed. Results: The optimal formulation had the optimum particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and EE%, which leads to higher stability and dissolution of atorvastatin in the body. Morphological studies conducted on properties of nanoparticles illustrated a spherical shape and no interference with other formulation components. No cytotoxicity was detected for improved formulation of nanoparticles, including atorvastatin. In-vitro skin permeation results indicated that gel containing 0.5% lavender essential oil atorvastatin noisome (Atrosome) could enhance the dermal delivery of atorvastatin where a higher concentration of atorvastatin can be detected in skin layers. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, preparing nanoparticles from atorvastatin and adding essential oil to the final formulation exerts a positive effect on local drug delivery. Moreover, drug delivery with nanocarriers significantly increased the percentage of drug retention in the target site.

Formulation, preparation of niosome loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles and biological activities

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) were prepared by the green synthesis method and loaded inside niosomes as a drug release system and their physicochemical and biological properties were determined. Zn-NPs were prepared by the eco-friendly green strategy, the structure, and morphological properties were studied and loaded into niosomes. Subsequently, different formulations of niosomes containing Zn-NPs were prepared and the optimal formulation was used for biological studies. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to investigate the morphology and size of nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis were used to confirm the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) determined the elemental analysis of the Zn-NPs synthesis solution and the crystalline structure of Zn-NPs was analysed by XRD (X-Ray diffraction). Furthermore, Zn-NPs were loaded inside the niosomes, and their structural characteristics, entrapment efficiency (EE%), the release profile of Zn-NPs, and their stability also were assessed. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties against some microbial pathogens, its effect on the expression of biofilm genes, and its anticancer activity on the breast cancer cell lines were also determined. To study the cytocompatibility, exposure of niosomes against normal HEK-293 cells was carried out. In addition, the impact of niosomes on the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis (Bcl2, Casp3, Casp9, Bax) at the mRNA level was measured. Our findings revealed that the Zn-NPs have a round shape and an average size of 27.60 nm. Meanwhile, UV–Vis, FTIR, and XRD results confirmed the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Also, the EE% and the size of the optimized niosomal formulation were 31.26% and 256.6 ± 12 nm, respectively. The release profile showed that within 24 h, 26% of Zn-NPs were released from niosomes, while in the same period, 99% of free Zn-NPs were released, which indicates the slow release of Zn-NPs from niosomes. Antimicrobial effects exhibited that niosomes containing Zn-NPs had more significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects than Zn-NPs alone, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects increased 2 to 4 times. Cytotoxic effects indicated that when Zn-NPs are loaded into niosomes, the anticancer activity increases compared to Zn-NPs alone and has low cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Niosomes containing ZnNPs increased the apoptosis-related gene expression level and reduced the Bcl2 genes. In general, the results show that niosomes can increase the biological effects of free Zn-NPs and therefore can be a suitable carrier for targeted delivery of Zn-NPs.

Exploring Niosomes: A Comprehensive Review of their Structure, Formulation, and Biomedical Applications

Niosomes are a novel class of non-ionic surfactant vesicles. They have emerged as promising vesicles for the delivery of a diverse range of therapeutic agents. Niosomes are implied for the improvement of stability and solubility of molecules used in pharmaceutical components. The current study delved into the formulation methods, applications, and recent advancements in niosomal technology. They offer various benefits over other drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility. The first section of this study outlined the background, detailed structure, and characteristics of niosomes. Niosomes are quite distinct in their characteristics as they have the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The second section of the current study highlighted various methods employed for niosome preparation, such as film hydration, reverse-phase evaporation, and microfluidic techniques. By modifying the lipid composition and surfactants, specific physicochemical properties, such as size, lamellarity, and surface charge can be achieved.The final section discussed applications of niosomes across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnological fields. These include targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, cosmetic ingredient encapsulation, and vaccine adjuvant systems. Additionally, the recent advancements in niosome research have been discussed as well.

Preparation and characterization of artemether-loaded niosomes in Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Niosomes : Novel Drug Delivery Systems

The administration of medications to specific targets with minimal affinity to other organs is a challenge during the treatment of disease conditions. Novel drug delivery systems enable localization of drugs to their site of action. These targeted drug delivery systems use various carriers, such as serum proteins, liposomes, synthetic polymers, and microspheres. Niosomes are a type of drug delivery system that has a bilayer structure made of non-ionic surfactants. Niosomes are amphiphilic; hence, they can encapsulate both lipophilic and lipophobic drugs and increase their bioavailability. Current work describes the structure, various methods of preparation and applications of niosomes.

Niosome as a promising tool for increasing the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Niosomes are drug delivery systems with widespread applications in pharmaceutical research and the cosmetic industry. Niosomes are vesicles of one or more bilayers made of non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol, and charge inducers. Because of their bilayer characteristics, similar to liposomes, niosomes can be loaded with lipophilic and hydrophilic cargos. Therefore, they are more stable and cheaper in preparation than liposomes. They can be classified into four categories according to their sizes and structures, namely small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs,), multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), and multivesicular vesicles (MVVs). There are many methods for niosome preparation, such as thin-film hydration, solvent injection, and heating method. The current study focuses on the preparation methods and pharmacological effects of niosomes loaded with natural and chemical anti-inflammatory compounds in kinds of literature during the past decade. We found that most research was carried out to load anti-inflammatory agents like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into niosome vesicles. The studies revealed that niosomes could improve anti-inflammatory agents' physicochemical properties, including solubility, cellular uptake, stability, encapsulation, drug release and liberation, efficiency, and oral bioavailability or topical absorption. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Formulation and characterization of Naringin - niosomes for sustained drug delivery and wound healing properties

Naringin, a natural flavonoid abundantly found in citrus fruits, has garnered significant attention for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and wound healing effects. However, its limited bioavailability and rapid metabolism have posed challenges for its therapeutic application. In this study, we present the development and characterization of a novel Naringin-loaded niosomal conjugation aimed at enhancing its therapeutic potential. This encapsulation not only improves the solubility and stability of naringin but also offers controlled release properties. The niosomal preparation was prepared using a thin-film hydration method, incorporating Naringin into the lipid bilayers. The physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful encapsulation of Naringin within the niosomal structure, resulting in improved stability and sustained release properties. In vitro release studies demonstrated a prolonged release of Naringin over an extended period, suggesting its potential for sustained therapeutic effects. Antioxidant activity of the preparation was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assay, revealing enhanced scavenging of free radicals compared to free Naringin. The naringin-niosomal conjugation exhibited an IC50 value of 97.89 µg/ml for DPPH and 50.6µg/ml for ABTS assay. Naringin-niosomal preparation showed enhanced cell migration after 72 h of injury in a scratch wound healing assay with 95% wound healing efficiency. Overall, our findings indicate that the developed Naringin-loaded niosomal preparation holds promise as a multifunctional therapeutic agent with prolonged antioxidant, and wound healing effects. This innovative preparation may offer a valuable approach to harness the therapeutic potential of Naringin, addressing the limitations associated with its bioavailability and providing a foundation for further pre-clinical and clinical investigations.

NIOSOMES A PROMISSING NANOCARRIER: A REVIEW

There are numerous traditional methods for applying medications to the skin. Transdermal has become a popular method of drug delivery in recent years for a variety of medications that are difficult to administer in other ways. Transdermal drug delivery has a number of advantages, the most important of which is the prevention of first-pass metabolism and the stomach environment, which would render the drug inactive. In addition to discussing in depth the various formulation techniques and permeability enhancement for improved therapeutic efficacy, a transdermal patch allows for the controlled release of medication into the patient, typically through membrane pores that house a reserve of medication or over body heat that melts thin layers of medication entrenched in the adhesive. The drug molecules can permeate the skin and be administered in this manner. Niosomes are vesicles made of non-ionic surfactants that are more stable, biodegradable, and generally harmless. Because surfactants are more chemically stable than lipids, niosomes are ideal for liposomes. The main topics of this review study are the concept of niosome, its benefits and drawbacks, composition, various type of transdermal formulation, enhancers using in this delivery and novel transdermal drug delivery, variables influencing niosomes, characterization, and use of noisome. Niosomes can be used to carry both amphiphilic and lipophilic drugs. Niosomes have great potential in targeted drug delivery of anticancer and anti-infective agents. This review article represents the structure of Niosomes, its advantages and disadvantages, types of niosomes, applications, method of preparation of niosomes.

A Review on Niosomes Novel Drug Delivery System

The management of infectious illnesses and vaccination practises has experienced a revolutionary change in recent years. With the development of biotechnology and genetic engineering, not only have numerous biologicals targeted at certain diseases been created, but focus has also been placed on the efficient delivery of these biologicals. As an alternative to liposomes, niosomes are vesicles made of non-ionic surfactants that are biodegradable, more harmless, more stable, and less costly. This article examines the present growth and enlargement of interest in niosomes throughout a variety of scientific fields, with a focus on their use in medicine. Additionally, this article gives a general review of niosome preparation methods, niosome kinds, niosome characterization, and niosome applications.

Co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into niosomal nanocarrier for enhanced breast cancer therapy: In silico and in vitro studies

Combination therapy has been considered one of the most promising approaches for improving the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. This is the first study that uses two different antioxidants in full-characterized niosomal formulation and thoroughly evaluates their synergistic effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, in-silico studies of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs (ascorbic acid: Asc and curcumin: Cur) interactions and release were investigated and validated by a set of in vitro experiments to reveal the significant improvement in breast cancer therapy using a co-delivery approach by niosomal nanocarrier. The niosomal nanoparticles containing surfactants (Span 60 and Tween 60) and cholesterol at 2:1 M ratio were prepared through the film hydration method. A systematic evaluation of nanoniosomes was carried out. The release profile demonstrated two phases (initial burst followed by sustained release) and a pH-dependent release schedule over 72 h. The optimized niosomal preparation displayed superior storage stability for up to 2 months at 4 °C, exhibiting extremely minor changes in pharmaceutical encapsulation efficiency and size. Free dual drugs (Asc + Cur) and dual-drug loaded niosomes (Niosomal (Asc + Cur)) enhanced the apoptotic activity and cytotoxicity and inhibited cell migration which confirmed the synergistic effect of co-encapsulated drugs. Also, significant up-regulation of p53 and Bax genes was observed in cells treated with Asc + Cur and Niosomal (Asc + Cur), while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was down-regulated. These results were in correlation with the increase in the enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and caspase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon treatment with the mentioned drugs. Furthermore, these anti-cancer effects were higher when using Niosomal (Asc + Cur) than Asc + Cur. Histopathological examination also revealed that Niosomal (Asc + Cur) had a lower mitosis index, invasion, and pleomorphism than Asc + Cur. These findings indicated that niosomal formulation for co-delivery of Asc and Cur would offer a promising delivery system for an effective breast cancer treatment.

Novel Vesicular Carriers: Proniosomes

Vesicular systems have been receiving a lot of interest as a carrier for advanced drug delivery. Encapsulation of the drug in vesicular structures can be expected to prolong the duration of the drug in the systemic circulation and to reduce toxicity by selective up-taking. Drug delivery systems using colloidal particulate carriers such as liposomes or niosomes have proved to possess distinct advantages over conventional dosage forms because the particles can act as drug reservoirs, and can carry both hydrophilic drugs by encapsulation or hydrophobic drugs by partitioning these drugs into hydrophobic domains and modification of the particle composition or surface can adjust the drug release rate and/or the affinity for the target site. Although niosomes as a carrier have shown advantages such as being cheap and chemically stable, they are associated with problems related to physical stability such as fusion, aggregation, sedimentation and leakage on storage. All methods traditionally used for the preparation of niosomes are time-consuming and many involve specialized equipment.

Enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy with Kalanchoe daigremontiana: A nanotechnological approach

Radiotherapy is widely utilized in the treatment of cancer, but this method is associated with dose-dependent limitation. Herbal compounds contain various secondary metabolites that increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy. However, a significant challenge associated with the use of herbal preparations is their poor biocompatibility. To address this limitation, the active ingredients of the leaves of Kalanchoe daigremontiana were extracted subsequently, phytoniosomes were prepared from the extract. The phytoniosomes were characterized through various analyses, Content analysis was performed with Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS) and encapsulation efficiency was evaluated with High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the cytotoxic effects of the phytoniosomes were evaluated on the Human Breast Epithelial Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (MCF-7), and Human Cervix epithelial Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (HeLa), using the MTT assay over multi-periods. Then radiotherapy studies have been carried out to increase this effect via Linear Accelerator (LINAC). Finally, to further understand the interactions between the phytoniosomes and cells, the niosomes were labelled with Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and fluorescence images were obtained. The results confirmed that the size of plain niosomes and phytoniosomes were 95.9 ± 0.52 and 126.0 ± 5.14 nm, respectively and localized around cytoplasm. Phytoniosomes combined with radiotherapy on cell lines are more effective than radiotherapy or phytoniosomes alone. The cell viability decreased significantly to 7.102 ± 3.51 for the MCF-7 cell line and to 8.183 ± 4.117 for the HeLa cell line). In conclusion, the combined use of these niosomal preparations with radiotherapy has the potential to be used as a tool for overcoming dose-dependent limitation in radiotherapy.