Niosomes-Promising Drug Carrier: A Review

Niosomes or non-ionic surfactant vesicles are microscopic lamellar structures formed on admixture of non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol with subsequent hydration in aqueous media. The method of preparation of Niosome is based on liposome technology. The basic process of preparation is the same i.e. hydration by aqueous phase of the lipid phase which may be either a pure surfactant or a mixture of surfactant with cholesterol. Niosomes are having greater flexibility with respect to composition, fluidity and size. They can be designed based on desired situation. After preparing niosomal dispersion, unentrapped drug is separated by dialysis centrifugation or gel filtration. A method of in-vitro release rate study includes the use of dialysis tubing. Niosomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles based on method of preparation. Niosomal drug delivery is potentially applicable to many pharmacological agents for their action against various diseases.Niosomes is most popular in targeted drug delivery. Niosomes are more stable than Liposomes.