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Niosomes: Introduction & Structural Composition

  • Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant vesicles with an aqueous core, similar in structure to liposomes but composed of synthetic non-ionic surfactants.

  • This makes them more resistant to oxidative degradation compared to liposomes.

Niosomes

Structural Composition

  • Core and Bilayer: An aqueous core surrounded by bilayers of non-ionic surfactants.

  • Surfactants: Non-ionic surfactants with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, forming bilayers in water.

  • Cholesterol: Incorporated to regulate membrane fluidity and stability.

Types of Niosomes

  1. Small Unilamellar Vesicles (SUVs): Single bilayer, small-sized vesicles.

  2. Large Unilamellar Vesicles (LUVs): Single bilayer, larger vesicles.

  3. Multilamellar Vesicles (MLVs): Multiple concentric bilayers.

Preparation Methods

  1. Thin Film Hydration: Forms a surfactant film by solvent evaporation, followed by hydration.

  2. Microfluidization: Applies force to mix surfactant and aqueous phases, forming vesicles.

  3. Sonication: Uses ultrasonic waves to generate niosomes from a surfactant mixture.

Applications

  1. Drug Delivery: Encapsulates hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, enabling controlled release, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery.

  2. Dermatology: Enhances transdermal drug absorption for improved skin penetration.

  3. Diagnostics: Carries diagnostic agents for imaging and diagnostic procedures.

  4. Cosmetics: Moisturizing and hydrating properties make them useful in skincare products.

Advantages

  1. Cost-Effective: Made from cheaper synthetic surfactants.

  2. Enhanced Stability: More stable than liposomes, resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis.

  3. Versatility: Capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

  4. Improved Bioavailability: Enhances dissolution and absorption of poorly soluble drugs.

  5. Controlled Release: Offers sustained drug release over extended periods.

  6. Targeted Delivery: Can be modified for active targeting to specific cells or tissues.

  7. Reduced Toxicity: Minimizes systemic toxicity by localizing drug delivery.

Disadvantages

  1. Leakage and Fusion: Susceptible to drug leakage and vesicle fusion during storage.

  2. Variable Drug Entrapment: Entrapment efficiency depends on preparation methods and drug properties.

  3. Scaling Challenges: Large-scale production requires advanced methods and equipment.

  4. Storage Issues: Requires specific storage conditions to prevent aggregation or leakage.

  5. Irritation Potential: Some surfactants may irritate skin or mucous membranes, limiting use in certain applications.


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