Niosomes are nanosized vesicles composed of nonionic surfactants and cholesterol that form when these compounds are dispersed in an aqueous medium. These lipid-based structures are similar to liposomes but differ in their composition, as niosomes use nonionic surfactants instead of phospholipids. The unique characteristic of niosomes lies in their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs within their bilayer membrane. This feature makes them promising candidates for drug delivery systems, as they can protect the encapsulated drug from degradation, prolong its release, and enhance its bioavailability. Additionally, niosomes offer advantages such as biocompatibility, stability, and ease of preparation, making them a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery and other biomedical applications.

1. “NIOSOME: NON-IONIC SURFACTANT
VESICLES”
M. Pharm (Pharmaceutics)
*Department of Pharmaceutics, Nims Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University
Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303121, India
Presented By: *Rahul Pal, Prachi Pandey
PHARMACEUTICS

2. Description About Me…
Mr. Rahul Pal, Department of Pharmaceutics, Nims Institute of Pharmacy, Nims
University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303121, India. He had completed his bachelor’s (B.
Pharm) from Invertis University, Bareilly UP, India with first division and
distinction. He has made significant contributions to academic literature, having
published over 24 review articles and 8 research articles in renowned National and
International Journals listed on Google Scholar, Publons, and NLM. He has
participated in over 6 International and National conferences organized by the
USA, New Castle, where he presented both posters and papers. Throughout his
academic career, he has engaged in over 5 International FDPs and 4 International
workshops, enriching his academic experience. He had granted and published 1
Indian Patent Design Certificate through IPR. He has recently published 6
textbooks for D. Pharm, B. Pharm, and M. Pharm levels through various publishers
such as KDP, JEC Publications, and Pritam Publications.
Mr. Rahul Pal
M. Pharm
(Pharmaceutics)

3. CONTENT TABLE
Introduction: Niosomes
Classification of Niosomes
Structure of Niosomes
Structure/Composition of Niosome
Importance of Cholesterol and Charged
Molecule
Importance of non-ionic surfactants
Fig. 01: Structure of niosome

4. Factors leading niosome formulation HLB value
and CPP
Methods of Preparation
Evaluations parameters
Application of Niosome
References
CONTENT TABLE CONT…

5. INTRODUCTION:
NIOSOMES (NON-IONIC SURFACTANT VESICLES)
 Niosome are vesicular drug delivery systems (like liposome) prepared by the
surfactant (non-ionic surfactants crucially). This unique composition offers
several advantages such as improved drug solubility, stability, and
biocompatibility.
 Niosome production was first started from cosmetic industry and then potential
applications of niosome in drug delivery (NDDS) were explored.
 Niosomes offer several advantages over liposomes, including:
 Greater stability: Niosomes are more stable during the formulation process
and storage compared to liposomes.
 Lower cost: Niosomes are generally less expensive to produce than liposomes.
 Versatility: Niosomes can entrap a wider range of drugs, both hydrophilic
(water-soluble) and lipophilic (fat-soluble).

6. CLASSIFICATION OF NIOSOME
 According to the size:
Sr. No. Types of Niosome Size diameter of Niosome
01. Small Unilamellar Vesicles (SUVs) Range = 0.025-0.05 μm (25-50 nm)
02. Multilamellar Vesicles (MLVs) Range = less than 0.05 μm (50 nm)
03. Large Unilamellar Vesicles (LUVs) Range = less than 0.10 μm (100 nm)

7. STRUCTURE OF NIOSOME

8. COMPOSITION/INGREDIENTS OF
NIOSOME
Niosome Components Specified objectives
Surfactants The vesicle membrane and control its properties, such as size, stability, and
drug loading capacity.
Cholesterol Stabilizes the vesicle membrane and prevents it from aggregating.
Charged Molecule To prevent the aggregation of molecules of vesicles.
Drugs The API that is encapsulated in the niosomes.
Hydration Medium Use to hydrate the vesicle formulation

9. Charge Inducers in Niosome Formulation
Positive (+ Ve) Stearyl Amine (SA) Stearyl Pyridinium
Chloride
Negative (- Ve) Dicetyl Phosphate (DCP) Phosphotidic acid
Hydration medium Advantages Disadvantages
Water Simple to use and cost-effective Can lead to the formation of
niosomes with a wide range of sizes.
Buffered saline (PBS) Maintains the pH of the niosomal
dispersion, which can improve the
stability of the niosome
Can increase the cost of the
formulation.
Phosphate buffer Can be used to optimize the size and
charge of the niosome
Can increase the complexity of the
formulation process.
Glycerol solution Can be used to decrease the freezing point
of the niosomal dispersion, which can
improve the stability
Can increase the viscosity of the
niosomal dispersion, which can
make it difficult to administer.

10. Importance of Cholesterol and Charged
Molecule
 Cholesterol has surfactant properties. In addition to that cholesterol content tends to affect the
important vesicular properties such as entrapment efficiency, release and stability.
 The amount of cholesterol should be optimized in order to achieve better entrapment efficiency
and vesicle stability.
 Dicetyl-phosphate (DCP) usually used to impart a negative charge on the surface of niosomes
to stabilize their bilayers or to achieve an electrophoretic mobility. However increasing the
amount of DP beyond the limit will prevent the formation of the Niosome. The cholesterol used
as:
 Enhanced Stability: Cholesterol helps in stabilizing the niosome structure by inserting itself
into the lipid bilayer. This incorporation increases the rigidity and reduces the permeability of
the niosome membrane, resulting in enhanced stability.
 Improved Mechanical Strength: The presence of cholesterol strengthens the niosome
membrane, making it less susceptible to deformation and rupture. This is particularly important
for maintaining the integrity of the niosome during storage and administration.

11. Importance of Non-Ionic Surfactants
 If a surfactant contains a head with two opposite charged groups, it is termed as a zwitterionic
(amphoteric) surfactant.
 Some of the most important surfactants used in the preparation of niosome are Tween 20/40/60 and
Span 20, 40/60/80/85 etc. They have several roles as follows:
 Self-Assembly: Non-ionic surfactants have the ability to self-assemble in aqueous media, forming
bilayer structures similar to liposomes. This property is crucial for the formation of niosomes.
 Versatility: Non-ionic surfactants offer versatility in niosome formulation as they can accommodate
both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. This enables the encapsulation of a wide range of
therapeutics for targeted delivery
 Stability: Niosomes formulated with non-ionic surfactants exhibit enhanced stability compared to
liposomes. This stability is essential for maintaining the integrity of the drug carrier system during
storage and transportation.
 Biocompatibility: Non-ionic surfactants are generally considered biocompatible and less toxic
compared to ionic surfactants. This enhances the safety profile of niosomes for drug delivery
applications.

12. Factors Leading to Niosome Formation HLB value
and CPP
 The self-assembly of amphiphilic molecule into closed bilayers is not spontaneous but it
involves some input of energy, for instance by means of physical shaking (hand-shaking,
ultrasound and heat etc.).
 Stable vesicle are formed only in presence of appropriate mixtures of surfactant and charge
inducing agents.
 The main factors are thermodynamics and physicochemical parameters (such as the HLB value
and geometric features of the amphiphilic molecules).
Factors influencing:
 Thermodynamics
 HLB values
 CPP
 Effective area per lipid chain

13.  HLB Value: Incase of niosomes vesicle formation is greatly influenced by the
HLB value of the surfactant. For example the sorbitan monostearate surfactant,
an HLB number between 4 to 8 was found to be compatible with vesicle
formation. In addition to it, niosomes are not generally formed with surfactants
with a HLB value between 14 to 17.
 Critical packing parameters (CPP): CPP being another dimensionless scale
of surfactant is defined as below:
CPP = v/Lca0
 Where, V is the volume of hydrophobic chain.
 Lc is the length of the hydrophobic chain.
 A0 is the area of the hydrophilic head.

14. METHODS OF PREPARATION
Method Description
Film Hydration Method
- Form a thin film by evaporating a mixture of non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol in an
organic solvent. - Hydrate the film with an aqueous solution containing the drug.
Reverse Phase Evaporation
Method
- Form a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion by dissolving the non-ionic surfactant,
cholesterol, and drug in an organic solvent. - Hydrate the emulsion with an aqueous
solution.
Ether Injection Method
- Dissolve non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol in diethyl ether. - Inject the organic phase
into an aqueous phase under agitation.
Microfluidization Method
- Pass a mixture of non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, and drug through a microfluidizer
for high-pressure homogenization.
Hand-Shaking (Bangham Method)
- Dissolve non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, and drug in an organic solvent. - Mix the
organic phase with an aqueous phase through hand-shaking or vortexing.
Detergent Removal Method
- Dissolve non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol in an organic solvent. - Mix the organic
phase with an aqueous solution containing a detergent. - Remove detergent via dialysis
or other methods.
Freeze-Drying Method
- Prepare niosomes using one of the methods mentioned. - Freeze-dry the resulting
suspension to obtain a dry powder. Rehydrate before use.
Rotary Evaporation Method
- Dissolve non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, and drug in an organic solvent. - Remove
the solvent under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. - Hydrate the resulting film
with an aqueous solution.

15. Ether Injection Method (EIM) Thin Film Hydration Method (TFH)

16. EVALUATIONS PARAMETERS
Evaluation Parameter Apparatus
Size and Size Distribution
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA),
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Encapsulation Efficiency High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
Zeta Potential Zeta Potential Analyzer, Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS)
Surface Charge Zeta Potential Analyzer, Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS)
Morphology Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Drug Release Kinetics
Franz Diffusion Cell, Dialysis Bag Method, Spectrophotometry, High-Performance
Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
In vitro Permeation Studies Franz Diffusion Cell, Vertical Diffusion Cell, Synthetic Membrane Models
In vivo Studies Animal Models (e.g., rats, mice), Blood Sampling, Tissue Analysis
Biocompatibility
Cell Viability Assays, Hemolysis Assays, Cytotoxicity Assays, Histopathological
Examination
Drug Loading Capacity UV-Visible Spectrophotometry, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Pharmacokinetic Studies
Blood Sampling, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Liquid
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
Drug Stability in Niosomes Stability Studies, HPLC, UV-Visible Spectrophotometry

17. APPLICATIONS OF NIOSOME
Application Examples of Niosome Formulations
Drug Delivery
- Encapsulation of anticancer drugs (e.g., doxorubicin) for targeted and
sustained drug release.
- Delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac) for localized action
and reduced side effects.
- Incorporation of antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin) for prolonged release and
improved therapeutic outcomes.
Gene Delivery
- Encapsulation of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, siRNA) for gene therapy
applications.
- Delivery of gene-editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 components) for
targeted genome modification.
Vaccine Delivery
- Encapsulation of antigens and adjuvants for improved stability and
controlled release in vaccine formulations.
- Development of niosomal vaccines against infectious diseases.
Cosmetics and Dermatology
- Niosomal formulations for the delivery of skincare ingredients, vitamins,
and antioxidants.
- Encapsulation of anti-aging compounds for enhanced skin penetration.

18. Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
- Niosomal formulations for prolonged release of
drugs in the treatment of eye disorders (e.g.,
glaucoma).
- Encapsulation of anti-inflammatory drugs for the
management of ocular inflammation.
Nutraceutical Delivery
- Encapsulation of vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary
supplements for improved bioavailability.
- Delivery of essential fatty acids and other bioactive
compounds for health benefits.
Imaging Agents Delivery
- Incorporation of contrast agents for diagnostic
imaging purposes (e.g., ultrasound, magnetic
resonance imaging).
- Encapsulation of fluorescent dyes for targeted
imaging in theranostic applications.
Pesticide and Herbicide Delivery
- Encapsulation of agrochemicals for controlled
release in agricultural applications.
- Niosomal formulations for targeted delivery of
pesticides to specific plant tissues.

19. REFERENCES
1. Bhardwaj, Peeyush, et al. "Niosomes: A review on niosomal research in the last
decade." Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology 56 (2020): 101581.
2. Lohumi, Ashutosh. "A novel drug delivery system: niosomes review." Journal of drug
delivery and therapeutics 2.5 (2012).
3. Moghassemi, Saeid, and Afra Hadjizadeh. "Nano-niosomes as nanoscale drug delivery
systems: an illustrated review." Journal of controlled release 185 (2014): 22-36.
4. Yeo, Pei Ling, et al. "Niosomes: a review of their structure, properties, methods of
preparation, and medical applications." Asian Biomed 11.4 (2017): 301-314.
5. Yadav, Jaydeep D., et al. "Niosomes: a review." Journal of Pharmacy Research 4.3 (2011):
632-636.