Preparation Of Niosomes Research Articles

PHARMACEUTICAL NIOSOMES DRUG DELIVERY: A COMPLETE REVIEW OF NEW DELIVERY SYSTEM

Over the past ten years, people working in the field of drug delivery systems have become increasingly interested in designing vesicles as a tool to improve drug delivery. A hydrating mixture of cholesterol and nonionic surfactants forms niosomes, which are vesicles. Liposomes, microspheres, engineering science,small emulsions, antibody loaded drug delivery , magnetic microcapsules,implantable pumps, and niosomes are just a few of the unique methods employed to administer these medications. There are two requirements before designing and developing a novel drug delivery system (NDDS). It must first spread the medication at a preset rate and then release an amount of medication at the site of action that is therapeutically efficacious. These requirements cannot be satisfied by conventional dose forms. In essence, niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles in which a group of surfactant macromolecules forms a bilayer to form a membrane that entirely seals off an aqueous solution of solute. Targeted medication delivery is made possible by the reasonable circulation persistence of niosomes. An overview of niosome preparation techniques, niosome kinds, characterisation, and applications is also included in this paper.
 
 Due to qualities including improved drug penetration, local depot for continuous drug release, and a rate-limiting membrane for modulating systemic absorption of pharmaceuticals via the skin, niosomes, vesicular nanocarriers, are gaining a lot of attention as prospective transdermal drug delivery systems. There are a number of theories put up to explain why niosomes can improve medication transfer through the skin. This review aims to provide an exhaustive collection of recent studies in this fascinating field, with special emphasis on the methods used to maximise the potential of niosomes. Niosomal carriers are suitable for the transdermal delivery of a variety of pharmacological agents, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial molecules.

Recent Advances and Scopes In Niosomes

Nanotechnology has recently become a significant force in contemporary medicine, with therapeutic uses ranging from contrast agents for imaging to medication transporters. It has been difficult in creating payloads that are both safe and effectively delivered. Modern approaches that focus on the drug delivery system, such as Niosomes, can accomplish this. Scientists working on drug delivery systems have become more interested in the formation of non-ionic surfactant vesicles as a technique to enhance drug delivery over the past few decades. The development of Niosomes involves hydration of synthetic surfactants with the right proportions of cholesterol or other amphiphilic compounds to form self-assembled vesicular Nanocarriers. Niosomes also offer an easy manufacturing process, with low production costs, and have increased stability, thus eliminating the fundamental drawbacks of liposomes. Simple preparation techniques and commonly used surfactants in pharmaceutical technology can be employed to prepare Niosomes. This review covers composition, preparation, characterization/evaluation, benefits, limitations, applications, and recent developments of Niosomes.

Characterisation of niosome nanoparticles prepared by microfluidic mixing for drug delivery

Lipid nanoparticles have gained much attention due to their potential as drug delivery systems. They are safe, effective, and be targeted to particular tissues to deliver their payload. Niosomes are one type of lipid nanoparticles that comprise non-ionic surfactants which have proven to be effective due to their stability and biocompatibility. Different manufacturing processes have been reported for niosome preparation, but many of them are not scalable or reproducible for pharmaceutical use. In this study, microfluidic mixing was used to prepare niosomes with different lipid compositions by changing the type of non-ionic surfactant. Niosomes were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, morphology, encapsulation efficacy, release profiles of atenolol as a model hydrophilic compound, and cytotoxic activities. Microfluidic mixing allows for particle self-assembly and drug loading in a single step, without the need for post-preparation size reduction. Depending on the lipid composition, the empty particles were <90 nm in size with a uniform distribution. A slight but not significant increase in these values was observed when loading atenolol in most of the prepared formulations. All formulations were spherical and achieved variable levels of atenolol encapsulation. Atenolol release was slow and followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model regardless of the surfactant type or the percentage of cholesterol used.

Niosomes: A promising nonionic surfactant vesicular system for enhancement of anticancer effect of phytochemicals

In recent years, infectious illness therapy and vaccination have experienced a dramatic transformation. With the progress of biotechnology, not only have a great number of disease-specific biologicals been generated, but there has also been an emphasis on delivering these biologicals efficiently. Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles that are biodegradable, largely non-toxic, more stable, and less costly than liposomes. Non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles, also known as niosomes, have garnered a great deal of interest in the pharmaceutical industry due to its ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances. In recent years, it has been shown that these vesicles can enhance the bioavailability of medications and may serve as a novel technique for delivering a variety of therapeutic agents, including chemical pharmaceuticals, protein therapeutics, and gene materials, with minimal toxicity and the desired targeting effectiveness. This page also provides an overview of niosome preparation processes, niosome kinds, characterisation, and applications. Chemoprevention is the use of phytochemicals to prevent or reduce cancers. It has been shown that several compounds produced from plants possess anticancer properties.

Improved dermal delivery of pentoxifylline niosomes for the management of psoriasis: Development, optimization and in-vivo studies in imiquimod induced psoriatic plaque model

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder of skin. In mild cases of psoriasis topical route is mostly preferred for the treatment. But delivery of drugs through psoriatic skin is very difficult. Hydrophilic nature of pentoxifylline makes its permeation difficult via this route. Niosomes are the vesicular systems, reported to improve the sustained, controlled and target delivery of drugs. In this study, Pentoxifylline niosomes were, developed, optimized and tested in-vitro and in-vivo on an imiquimod induced psoriatic model to improve the dermal delivery of pentoxifylline for the enhanced management of psoriasis. Thin film hydration method was used for the preparation of niosomes. Prepared niosomes were evaluated for their percentage encapsulation efficiency, size and polydispersity index. Finally, optimization was done by the application of Box-Behnken. Optimized pentoxifylline loaded niosomes were prepared using cholesterol and tween 80 (ratio 0.662), 14.5 mg of soya lecithin and 10 mg of pentoxifylline. Optimized niosomes were further studied for ex-vivo permeation, skin-deposition and in-vivo antipsoriatic effect on imiquimod induced psoriatic models. The optimized niosomes' size and percentage entrapment efficiency were in the range of 173.5-± 28.36 nm and 83.2 ± 5.5%, respectively. Excised goat's skin was opted to study the ex-vivo permeation and skin deposition of niosomes. Significant amount of drug was not detected in the ex-vivo permeation studies. Skin deposition studies on excised goat skin showed deeper and significant deposition of pentoxifylline niosomes in epidermal layers than the free drug. The in-vivo studies performed on the imiquimod induced psoriasis in Swiss albino mice, pentoxifylline loaded niosomes demonstrated a significant decrease in the inflammation of epidermis and stratum corneum as well as reduction in the Psoriasis area – Severity Index as compared to the control and pentoxifylline solution groups. The results clearly indicates that optimized pentoxifylline niosomes can be used for the better management of psoriasis.

Green formulation, characterization, antifungal and biological safety evaluation of terbinafine HCl niosomes and niosomal gels manufactured by eco-friendly green method

Terbinafine (TER) is a promising candidate medication for the topical treatment of fungal infections. However, its solubility in water and skin permeability are limited. To overcome these limitations, a Terbinafine niosome and niosomal gel was developed. The impact of cholesterol:surfactants on terbinafine incorporated niosome (terbinasome) preparations was examined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were used to assess the morphological features of terbinasome and the physicochemical characteristics of TER in terbinasome. The obtained results has shown that Chol enhanced the diameter of the terbinasome from 123.20 ± 2.86 to 701.93 ± 17.72 nm. The highest encapsulation of terbinafine was estimated to be around 66% due to the cholesterol:surfactants ratio in the terbinasome was 1:3 and 1:6. Additional examination has revealed that changes in the cholesterol:surfactants ratio can result in a change in the PDI value of between 0.421 ± 0.004 and 0.712 ± 0.011. The terbinasome gel was prepared and tested for pharmaceutical testing, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability. The percentage of TER dissolution from terbinasome were determined more than 80% and showed quickest drug release. In a cutaneous permeability examination, the quantity of TER in the cutaneous layers and the receiver compartment were higher for the terbinasome gel than for the TER simple gel. The terbinasome's cell viability was around 90% (HFF cell line) and MTT experiment demonstrated that the terbinasome was not cytotoxic. The MIC of the terbinasome was lower than pure drug against Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Trichophyton. The terbinasomal gels were non-irritant (score < 2) in the cutaneous irritation examination performed on Wistar rats. The research suggests that the optimized terbinasome may be used as a nano-vesicle for TER drug administration, hence opening up new possibilities for the treatment of cutaneous infections.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Sustained Release Niosomal Dispersion Containing Niflumic Acid

Objective: This work aims to create and characterize niosomal dispersions for long-term delivery of the anti-inflammatory drug niflumic acid that may be adapted to give a localized effect, prevent gastrointestinal side effects and hepatic metabolism, leading to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Method: The thin film hydration technique was used to make niflumic acid-loaded niosomes. The effects of different concentrations of a non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, dicetyl phosphate (DCP), sonication time and the effects of drug concentration on encapsulation efficiency were investigated in order to improve the process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the formulations. The niosomal dispersion formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, in-vitro drug release, particle size, polydispersity index (pdI), zeta potential, pH and stability study. Results: The optimum niosomal preparation (F15) exhibited pH (7.2), size of the particles (1.04 μm), pdI (0.374), surface charge (-47.4) and efficiency of trapping (91.55%). It gave a rapid release in 15 minutes and increased sustainably over time until reach 96.9% within 24 hours. Conclusion: This research was successful in producing an optimal niosomal dispersion for niflumic acid using different surfactant/cholesterol ratios. The optimum formula provides a sustained release with the initial fast effect of niflumic acid and can be used with a topical dosage form to provide immediate relief that lasts for up to 24 h.

Preparation and Evaluation of Niosomes for the Delivery of Antioxidant to the Skin for Antiaging Purpose

Niosomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles capable of entrapping hydrophilic and hydrophobic solutes. Niosomes are promising drug carriers as they possess greater stability. Niosomes is currently reported to increase drug stability, and increase the penetration of the adsorbed compound across the skin. Thus noisome could be incorporated in semisolid formulation. Quercetin niosomes were prepared by using Cholesterol, Span 80/ Span 85 as surfactants, chloroform, and diethyl ether using ether injection method. Formulation was then evaluated for particle size, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release studies. Niosomal Gel Prepared by Carbopol 934P and characterized as Drug Content, in-vitro Cumulative Drug Release and viscocity. Quercetin released from the Plain Gel to 68.64 in 8 hrs. The skin permeation increase of quercetin drug was recorded from vesicle Gel in comparison to plain gel and antioxidant activity performed by DPPH Method. The results showed that quercetin has considerable whitening and antioxidant capacities and Span80+85(1:2) Niosomes remarkably improved the solubility and photostability of quercetin. Furthermore, compared to quercetin solution, quercetin-niosomes had the advantages of sustained release and improved transdermal penetration. Niosomal Gel storage under refrigeration showed greater stability. The results suggested that Niosomes could better promote the transdermal delivery of quercetin, by their ability to control drug release.&#x0D;

Physicochemical and Stability Evaluation of Topical Niosomal Encapsulating Fosinopril/γ-Cyclodextrin Complex for Ocular Delivery.

This study aimed to develop a chemically stable niosomal eye drop containing fosinopril (FOS) for lowering intraocular pressure. The effects of cyclodextrin (CD), surfactant types and membrane stabilizer/charged inducers on physiochemical and chemical properties of niosome were evaluated. The pH value, average particle size, size distribution and zeta potentials were within the acceptable range. All niosomal formulations were shown to be slightly hypertonic with low viscosity. Span® 60/dicetyl phosphate niosomes in the presence and absence of γCD were selected as the optimum formulations according to their high %entrapment efficiency and negative zeta potential values as well as controlled release profile. According to ex vivo permeation study, the obtained lowest flux and apparent permeability coefficient values confirmed that FOS/γCD complex was encapsulated within the inner aqueous core of niosome and could be able to protect FOS from its hydrolytic degradation. The in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that niosome entrapped FOS or FOS/γCD formulations were moderate irritation to the eyes. Furthermore, FOS-loaded niosomal preparations exhibited good physical and chemical stabilities especially of those in the presence of γCD, for at least three months under the storage condition of 2–8 °C.

Preparation and Evaluation of Liposomes and Niosomes Containing Total Ginsenosides for Anti-Photoaging Therapy.

Ginsenosides are the principal bioactive compounds of ginseng. Total ginsenosides (GS) contain a variety of saponin monomers, which have potent anti-photoaging activity and improve the skin barrier function. To enhance the efficiency of GS transdermal absorption, GS liposomes (GSLs) and GS niosomes (GSNs) were formulated as delivery vehicles. Based on the clarified and optimized formulation process, GSL and GSN were prepared. The structure, cumulative transmittance, skin retention, total transmittance, and bioactivity of GSLs and GSNs were characterized. GSL and GSN were shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). In addition, HaCAT cell migration, proliferation, and GS cellular uptake were significantly increased. The therapeutic effects of GSL and GSN were also evaluated in a rat model of photoaging. Histopathological changes were assessed in rat skin treated with GSL, GSN, or GS by hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and aldehyde fuchsine staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, GSH-Px, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels were determined. Results indicated that the optimal formulation of GSL used soybean lecithin (SPC) as the phospholipid, with a lipid–drug ratio of 1:0.4 and a phospholipid–cholesterol ratio of 1:3.5. The optimal temperature for the preparation process of GSN by ethanol injection was 65°C, with a ratio of the organic phase to aqueous phase of 1:9. It was demonstrated that the cumulative release rate, skin retention rate, and total transmission rate of GSL-7 at 24 h were higher than those of GSN-4 and GS. GSL-7 significantly inhibited skin lipid peroxidation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In addition, GSL-7 reduced the contents of MMPs and inflammatory cytokines in skin tissue. In conclusion, GSL-7 may reduce skin aging caused by UV radiation and contribute to skin tissue repair.

A novel preparation and characterization of melatonin loaded niosomes based on using a ball milling method

The present study aims to develop an optimized niosome formulation for encapsulation of melatonin using a ball milling (BM) method. Niosomes with and without melatonin inclusions were prepared using a mixture of Span 60 and cholesterol in various molar ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2). The physical properties and stability of the blank niosomes and melatonin-loaded niosomes were characterized using FTIR, TEM, and dynamic light scattering techniques. The results revealed that the BM method was successfully applied to niosome preparation. It provided a smaller average size and a narrower size distribution, with high stability. All niosomal formulations resulted in spherical particles, ranging from 250 nm to 600 nm in diameter with lower polydispersity index values. The niosomes with 1:1 ratios of Span 60 and cholesterol were found to have high stability, suitable for further in vitro drug release study. The entrapment efficiency of melatonin in niosomes was found to range from 85.09% to 86.69%. The results of an in vitro study revealed that the released profile of melatonin-loaded niosomes was more prolonged, with a maximum release of 21% after 48 h. The mechanism of drug release from the niosomes was best described by Higuchi’s model, which indicates that the drug diffuses at a slower rate as the diffusion distance increases. Based on this study, the BM technique is a promising method for the preparation of niosomes for encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs with improved drug release profiles.

Enhanced synergistic antitumor efficacy with topotecan (camptothecin derivative) and curcumin analogs coadministration in novel proniosomal formulations

Background: In the modern era of therapeutics, the proniosomal system has been identified as the most intriguing one among various novel systems, thus considerably enhancing the bioavailability of low-soluble drugs. The current study aimed to study the enhancement of therapeutic efficacy of topotecan (TPT) with curcumin (CUR) coadministration. Materials and Methods: We optimized the preparation of niosomes, concerning concentrations of lecithin, span 60, and cholesterol. Seventeen trials were proposed by the selected design. All these batches were initially evaluated only for entrapment efficacy (EE), vesicle size (VS), and percentage of TPT release by the end of 12 h. Analysis of variance and generated regression equations were assisted to study the significant variables and magnitude of impact. Results: The desirability of 0.893 was achieved with the optimum concentrations of selected independent variables in attaining the highest EE (90.393%), minimum VS (386.264 nm), and percentage of TPT release (98.614% at 12 h). TPT and CUR release from the optimized formulation were found to be anomalous or non-Fickian diffusion, as evident from the n value of Peppas model. The cytotoxic studies demonstrated that TPT and CUR in liposomal and free forms were found to be less cytotoxic on MCF-7 model cells. All these findings indicate that the coadministration of CUR with TPT proniosomes can be a promising strategy to enhance the antitumor treatment.

Enhancement of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Optimized Niosomal Colchicine Loaded into Jojoba Oil-Based Emulgel Using Response Surface Methodology.

Recent progression in investigational studies aiming to integrate natural products and plant oils in developing new dosage forms that would provide optimal therapeutic effect. Therefore, the aim of the present exploration was to inspect the influence of jojoba oil in boosting the anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine natural product. To our knowledge, there is no formulation comprising colchicine and jojoba oil together to form a niosomal emulgel preparation anticipated for topical application. Colchicine is a natural product extracted from Colchicum autumnale that has been evidenced to show respectable anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to its drawbacks and low therapeutic index, it was preferable to be formulated into topical dosage form. The current study inspected colchicine transdermal delivery by developing niosomal preparation as a potential nanocarrier included into emulgel prepared with jojoba oil. Box Behnken design was constructed to develop 17 niosomal emulgel formulations. The optimized colchicine niosomal emulgel was evaluated for its physical characteristics and in vitro release studies. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was estimated via carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema method. The developed colchicine niosomal preparation revealed particle size of 220.7 nm with PDI value 0.22, entrapment efficiency 65.3%. The formulation was found to be stable showing no significant difference in particle size and entrapment efficiency up on storage at 4 °C and 25 °C for 3 months. The optimized colchicine niosomal emulgel exhibited a pH value 6.73, viscosity 4598 cP, and spreadability 38.3 mm. In vitro release study of colchicine from niosomal emulgel formulation was around 52.4% over 6 h. Apparently, the proficient anti-inflammatory activity of colchicine niosomal emulgel was confirmed via carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema test. Overall, the results recommend the combination of niosomal preparation with jojoba oil-based emulgel that might signify a favorable delivery of anti-inflammatory drug such as colchicine.

A Review of Niosomes as Novel Drug Delivery Systems

The aim of this review is to present the structure of niosome, benefits and drawbacks, fundamentals of niosome preparation and characterization as well as a description of their applications in drug delivery. This review will provide an overview on the increasing interest on niosomes in the field of drug delivery. 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. Drug targeting is a kind of phenomenon in which drug gets distributed in the body in such a manner that the drug interacts with the target tissue at a cellular or subcellular level to achieve a desired therapeutic response at a desire site without undesirable interactions at other sites. This can be achieved by modern methods of targeting the drug delivery system such as niosomes. Niosomes are the type of non-ionic surfactant vesicles, which are biodegradable, non-toxic, more stable and inexpensive, a new approach to liposomes. Their structure similar to liposome and hence they can represent alternative vesicular systems with respect to liposomes. The niosomes have the tendency to load different type of drugs.

FORMULATION AND CARACTERIZATION OF QUERCETIN NIOSOME WITH CONCENTRATION VARIATIONS OF SPAN 20 SURFACTANT

Quercetin has low solubility, absorption and bioavailability which limits its practical use as a drug or supplement. Therefore, it is important to formulate a quercetin niosome system with various concentrations of span 20 as a surfactant. This investigation aimed to formulate and analyse a quercetin niosome preparation with span 20 variations to provide optimal quercetin solubility. Niosomes were prepared using various concentrations of span 20. In the present study, the quercetin niosome used the reverse phase evaporation (RPE) method. Quercetin niosome is characterised by its organoleptic properties, pH value, particle morphology comprising the particle shape and size, and encapsulation efficiency. Organoleptic observations of the quercetin niosome included a yellow colour, distinctive quercetin odour and thick consistency for all formulas. The pH remained within the physiological pH range of skin. Quercetin niosome morphology was close to spherical while the niosome particle size results were 2.13 µm (F1), 2.99 µm (F2) and 3.31 µm (F3). The quercetin niosome encapsulation efficiency results were 81.86 ± 0.47% (F1), 84.02 ± 0.26% (F2) and 88.24 ± 0.10% (F3). Quercetin niosome were successfully prepared using multiple span 20 concentrations below the cholesterol concentration characterised by the measurement results of organoleptic, pH, particle morphology and encapsulation efficiency.

Preparation of Stable Clindamycin Phosphate Niosomes by Combination of Sorbitan Esters and their Ethoxylaed Derivatives

Preparation of Stable Clindamycin Phosphate Niosomes by Combination of Sorbitan Esters and their Ethoxylaed Derivatives

A Review on Niosomes: Potential Vesicular Drug Delivery System

Over the years researchers have been making an attempt to improve the potency of utilization of medicament for treatment of numerous diseases. During this endeavour, drug delivery systems have helped greatly by achieving reduced dose, reduced dosage frequency, improved patient compliance, improved bioavailability and maximum concentration of the drug at the target site. Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth in the use of nanotechnology in designing drug delivery systems. Niosomes are vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants, which are biodegradable, comparatively non-toxic, stable, economical and effective alternate to liposomes. This review is deepening and widening the interest of Niosomes in several scientific disciplines and notably its application in drug delivery. This review additionally presents a summary of the types, methods of preparation, characterization and applications of Niosomes.&#x0D; Keywords: Niosomes, types, method of preparation, factors affecting and applications

Successful Application of Alpha Lipoic Acid Niosomal Formulation in Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Rat Model.

Purpose: Free radicals such as hydroxyl and peroxide are contributing factors to neuronal destruction in cerebral ischemia. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one of the potent known antioxidants. Preparation of ALA niosomes allows IV injection and can increase bioavailability and penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: Film hydration method was used to prepare different niosomes composed of Span®, Tween®, and cholesterol at different molar ratio. ALA and niosome-forming compounds were dissolved in chloroform, before removing the organic solvent by rotary evaporator. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, control group, intravenous (IV) injection of empty niosomes plus intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ALA solution, and finally, IV injection of ALA niosomes. Rats were subjected to deep anesthesia before inducing cerebral ischemia, then, their internal common carotid arteries were clamped for 15 min and reperfusion was done for 30 min. Niosomal ALA was injected intravenously just before declamping. Results: Mean volume diameter of the prepared niosomes was between 4.36 ± 0.82 and 19.95 ± 1.21 μm in different formulations. Encapsulation efficiency percent (EE%) of ALA in the selected formulation, Span60/Tween60/cholesterol (35:35:30 molar ratio), was 94.5 ± 0.2, and 59.27 ± 5.61% of ALA was released after 4h. In the niosomal group, the rate of reduction in complications of cerebral ischemia such as histopathologic changes and acute damage (from score 3 to 1) in CNS was higher than other groups. Conclusion: The obtained results show that niosomes can be used as effective drug delivery systems for ALA in cerebral ischemia.

Design and Evaluation of Acyclovir Niosomes

The current study aims to formulate and evaluate acyclovir loaded niosomes for sustained release of acyclovir. Stable Acyclovir loaded Niosomes can be prepared by hand shaking method and ether injection method with Span 80 and cholesterol in the ratio of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1. Preformulation studies and drug excipients compatibility studies was done initially and results directed the further course of formulation. Most of the vesicles are spherical in shape, the size range of the vesicles, fall in the narrow size range of 0.5-5 and 0.5-2.5 by hand shaking method and ether injection method respectively. A high % of Acyclovir can be encapsulated in the vesicles (75-84%) prepared by hand shaking method. Concentration of non-ionic surfactant such as Span 80 might influences the drug release pattern of all formulation. In vitro release of Acyclovir from niosomes was very slow when compared to the release from pure Acyclovir solution. Drug release studies showed that the niosomal preparation was stable at refrigeration temperature (40C). The vesicles prepared by hand shaking method were found to be larger in size as compared to vesicles prepared by ether injection method. Almost constant drug release was observed in all formulations indicating zero order release pattern.

Niosomes: The Current and Future perspectives in Drug Delivery System

There are many problems with the conventional dosage form of various drugs and one of them is dosing frequency in which patients have to take the drug again and again throughout the day which is very difficult mainly for the elder patient. So, to overcome this problem the approach of a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) is used to replace the conventional drug delivery system. NDDS mainly deals with sustained release of drugs which is effective to reduce the dosing frequency. Niosome is one of the best approaches of a novel drug delivery system, in which the drug in solution form is enclosed in vesicle which is made up of non-ionic surfactants. In the case of liposome which is another part of NDDS vesicles is made up of phospholipids. Niosome formulation is a powerful tool to resolve the issue of insolubility and the low bioavailability of drugs. This paper overviews the various methods of preparation of Niosome along with its pharmaceutical applications.