Formulation and Evaluation of Hybrid Niosomal In Situ Gel for Intravesical Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Gentamicin Sulfate

Abstract

The current study describes the elaboration of a hybrid drug delivery platform for an intravesical application based on curcumin/gentamicin sulfate simultaneously loaded niosomes incorporated into thermosensitive in situ gels. Series of niosomes were elaborated via the thin film hydration method, evaluating the impact of non-ionic surfactants’, cholesterol’s, and curcumin’s concentration. The formulation composed of equimolar ratio of Span 60, Tween 60, and 30 mol% cholesterol was selected as the optimal composition, due to the high entrapment efficiency values obtained for both drugs, and appropriate physicochemical parameters (morphology, size, PDI, and zeta potential), therefore, was further incorporated into Poloxamers (407/188) and Poloxamers and chitosan based in situ gels. The developed hybrid systems were characterized with sol to gel transition in the physiological range, suitable rheological and gelling characteristics. In addition, the formed gel structure at physiological temperatures determines the retarded dissolution of both drugs (vs. niosomal suspension) and sustained release profile. The conducted microbial studies of selected niosomal in situ gels revealed the occurrence of a synergetic effect of the two compounds when simultaneously loaded. The findings indicate that the elaborated thermosensitive niosomal in situ gels can be considered as a feasible platform for intravesical drug delivery.

Focus on Niosomal–based Drug Delivery Systems for Nasal Route: Applications and Challenges

“…[20]. They can also augment the stability of the loaded drug, like enhanced protection/drug encapsulation [21], prolonged circulation, targeted and controlled drug delivery [22] photostability [23], and improved chemical/physical stability [24]. In addition, niosomes are much more feasible in production, less costly, more economic, more stable, and easier to store than liposomal formulations [23].…”

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

“…50 Niosomes enable the combination of anticancer therapeutics, including chemotherapy, genes, herbal remedies, photodynamic sensitizers, inhibitors of small molecules, classic antineoplastics, and small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in order to block tumor resistance to multiple drug cytotoxicity (MDR) and effectively regulate multiple signaling pathways. [51][52][53][54][55][56][57] Using anticancer agents with various mechanisms of action concurrently enhances the therapeutic effects by encompassing more than one mechanism of action, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment. 35 Developing innovative, personalized pharmaceutical products based on novel niosomes will require further research and investigation into formulation, preparation, and modification methods.…”

Insights into the Safety and Versatility of 4D Printed Intravesical Drug Delivery Systems

“…In this respect, avoiding repeated catheterizations, which are responsible for a dramatic decrease in patient compliance towards intravesical administration, and improving adherence as well as penetration of the administered drug into the urothelium still represent the main challenges to be overcome. Liquid formulations able to undergo an increase in their viscosity once at the target site, through the formation of gels at body temperature, were recently proven able to ensure long-lasting residence in the bladder coupled with controlled release [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) either capable of floating into the urine or of avoiding early elimination from the target site during physiological urination thanks to a swift expansion were also proposed [ 9 , 10 , 11 ] They were generally designed to be administered via catheter and, once exhausted, to be removed in the same way or to be spontaneously eliminated following solubilization, erosion and rupture phenomena.…”