Review on Niosomes - a Novel Approach for Drug Targeting

Abstract

Purpose : This is a general review on niosome as drug carrier, which improves the bioavailability of drugs, increases penetration through skin, releases drug in a controlled or sustained manner, and used for targeting of drugs to specic sites in the body. Approach : Niosomal drug delivery system can be considered as an emerging novel drug delivery system, which consists of microscopic non-ionic vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants. These are biodegradable, relatively nontoxic, more stable and inexpensive, and an alternative to liposomes. Methods of preparation, characterisation and application of niosomes have been reviewed. Findings : Niosome has potential to reduce the side effects of drugs and increase therapeutic effectiveness in various diseases. It can also be used as a carrier to deliver drugs topically. Conclusion : This review presents an overview of the types of niosomes, techniques of preparation of niosome, characterisation and their applications.