Niosomes

Niosomes are non-ionic surfactants which are considered as the novel forms of liposomes. They are mostly formed by cholesterol incorporation as an excipient. Other excipients can also be used. Niosomes have more penetrating capability than the previous preparations of emulsions. [ [http://jeepakistan.blogspot.com/2008/05/d.html Your Source of Information: Niosomes ] ] . They are structurally similar to liposomes in having a bilayer, however, the materials used to prepare niosomes makes them more stable and thus niosomes offer many more advantages over liposomes.

Structure of Niosomes

Niosomes are lamellar structures that are microscopic in size. They constitute of non-ionic surfactant of the alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ether class and cholesterol with subsequent hydration in aqueous media. The surfactant molecules tend to orient themselves in such a way that the hydrophilic ends of the non-ionic surfactant point outwards, while the hydrophobic ends face each other to form the bilayer. The figure in this article on [http://pharmaxchange.info/articles/niosomes/niosomes.html Niosomes ] gives a better idea of the lamellar orientation of the surfactant molecules. [ [http://pharmaxchange.info/articles/niosomes/niosomes.html PharmaXChange.info - Niosomes ] Article on niosomes covering topics such as structure, methods of preparation, advantages and applications] :

Methods of Preparation of Niosomes

Niosomes can be prepared by one of the following methods of preparation 1. Ether injection method2. Hand shaking method3. Reverse phase evaporation technique4. Trans membrane pH gradient5. The "Bubble" Method6. Formation of niosomes from proniosomes.( [http://pharmaxchange.info/articles/niosomes/niosomes.html PharmaXChange.info - Niosomes ] ).

Applications of Niosomes

Niosomes are a novel drug delivery system that are finding application in:1) Drug Targeting2) Antineoplastic Treatment3) Leishmaniasis Treatment4) Delivery of Peptide Drugs5) Studying immune response6) Carriers for haemoglobin7) Transdermal drug delivery systems. ( [http://pharmaxchange.info/articles/niosomes/niosomes.html PharmaXChange.info - Niosomes ] ).

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