Recent advances of non-ionic surfactant-based nano-vesicles (niosomes and proniosomes): a brief review of these in enhancing transdermal delivery of drug

Abstract

Background Hepatic first-pass metabolism and poor therapeutic efficiency at targeted region are the endemic problems of new drug molecules. Thus, comprehensive research has been carried out on the novel vesicular drug delivery systems in nanotechnology from the last few years. These nano-carrier systems have developed to overcome the limitations that are associated with hepatic first-pass metabolism in conventional oral dosage forms and the barrier properties of the lipid bilayer in stratum corneum via transdermal drug delivery for improving the bioavailability of various drugs. Main body In recent years, several targeted vesicular drug delivery carriers are developing like liposomes, niosomes, proniosomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, and electrosomes. Among them, niosomes and proniosomes are to be better carriers to increase therapeutic efficiency and bioavailability by reducing the side effects and acting as a promising approach for transdermal drug delivery. Both are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles and are amphiphilic. This article concisely reviews the possible mechanisms within niosomes and pronisomes to enhance transdermal drug delivery, types, composition, preparation techniques, characterizations, and its applications. Conclusion As per the researches done in the formulation of various nano-carrier systems through transdermal approach for the enhancement of bioavailability, it can be stated that the hepatic first pass metabolism can be reduced as well as therapeutic efficiency can be increased by many folds compared to their oral marketed formulations.

Formulation and Evaluation of Azithromycin-Loaded Niosomal Gel: Optimization, In Vitro Studies, Rheological Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Study

“…Because of their hydrophilic nature and bioadhesive qualities, Carbopol and Na-CMC polymers were chosen to prepare the niosomal gels in this study, which may result in an enhanced residence period of a drug at the absorption site through interacting with SC. , The increased drug skin retention in the case of niosomal gels could be attributed to the drug creating a reservoir effect in the skin and boosting drug absorption in the skin. Niosomes have been shown to improve drug permeation through the skin. , Niosomes modify the properties of SC by adsorption and fusion of niosomes onto the skin’s surface, which would facilitate drug penetration. , In addition, structure modification of the SC is one of the proposed mechanisms for niosomal augmentation of drug permeability . Moreover, the viscosity of the gel formulation influences drug release significantly because it influences the rate of drug diffusion from the carriers .…”

“…Niosomes have been shown to improve drug permeation through the skin. 38 , 68 Niosomes modify the properties of SC by adsorption and fusion of niosomes onto the skin’s surface, which would facilitate drug penetration. 68 , 69 In addition, structure modification of the SC is one of the proposed mechanisms for niosomal augmentation of drug permeability.…”

The Emerging Role of Ionic Liquid-Based Approaches for Enhanced Skin Permeation of Bioactive Molecules: A Snapshot of the Past Couple of Years

“…However, a variety of liposome-inspired VNs has evolved since, such as: ethosomes , soft VNs whose structure is closely related to that of liposomes, the main difference being the presence of ethanol in moderate to high concentrations, which confers the vesicles high malleability and the ability to significantly enhance the percutaneous permeation of highly lipophilic molecules [ 48 ]; transfersomes , ultraflexible VNs composed by either phospholipids or other bilayer-forming amphipathic molecules packed together with edge activators that decrease the vesicle’s interfacial tension; this conveys a very high elasticity enabling a much better permeation through the SC probably via the intercellular route [ 49 ]; niosomes are VNs usually composed by cholesterol and alkyl or polyglycerol-based non-ionic surfactants that usually offer higher osmotic stability and involve lower production costs as compared to phospholipid-based VNs. Yet, like in liposomes, the physical stability of niosomes is not adequate for prolonged storage [ 50 , 51 ]. other “somes” are continuously emerging as novel VNs for drug delivery, particularly for topical applications.…”

“…niosomes are VNs usually composed by cholesterol and alkyl or polyglycerol-based non-ionic surfactants that usually offer higher osmotic stability and involve lower production costs as compared to phospholipid-based VNs. Yet, like in liposomes, the physical stability of niosomes is not adequate for prolonged storage [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Niosomes as Nano-carrier Based Targeted Drug Delivery System

“…b) Large unilamellar vesicle ≥0.05µm. c) Multi lamellar vesicle ≥0.10µm4 . deposited on the walls of the flask.Dried surfactant film can be rehydrated with aqueous phase, slightly above the transition temp of the surfactant used.…”