Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of amisulpride-loaded Niosomal Intranasal Gel for Brain Targeting

Abstract

Aim: To develop stable non-ionic surfactant vesicles containing amisulpride (AMS) to improve brain uptake via nose to brain mechanism. Methods: Niosomes were developed using a modified ethanol injection technique, optimized using 32factorial design and evaluated for the vesicle size (VS), percent encapsulation efficiency (EE), zeta potential (ZP) and % cumulative drug release (%CDR). Results: Optimized niosomes (Span-60: cholesterol ratio 0:1) showed 191.4 nm VS, 84.25% EE, -38.2 ZP and 81.31% CDR. In situ gel with these niosomes displayed 78% CDR. TEM analysis revealed spherical niosomes. Pharmacokinetic and brain tissue distribution studies in rats showed enhanced plasma and brain concentrations, indicating successful brain targeting. Conclusion: This strategy demonstrates improved AMS permeation via the nasal cavity, enhancing bioavailability for treating schizophrenia.