Niosomes: Novel sustained release nonionic stable vesicular systems — An overview

Vesicular systems are novel means of delivering drug in controlled manner to enhance bioavailability and get therapeutic effect over a longer period of time. Niosomes are such hydrated vesicular systems containing nonionic surfactants along with cholesterol or other lipids delivering drug to targeted site which are non toxic, requiring less production cost, stable over a longer period of time in different conditions, so overcomes drawbacks of liposome. Present review describes history, all factors affecting niosome formulation, manufacturing conditions, characterization, stability, administration routes and also their comparison with liposome. This review also gives relevant information regarding various applications of niosomes in gene delivery, vaccine delivery, anticancer drug delivery, etc. [Display omitted] ► Vesicular system introduction and types ► History of niosomes ► Classification, impact, uses and drawbacks of surfactant in short and compiled ► Impact of properties of niosomes such as chain length, HLB value, etc. ► Use of cholesterol, surfactants and there impacts ► Methods of preparation ► Evaluation of niosomes by various methods for different parameters ► Application of niosomes such as in delivery of NSAIDs, genes, vaccines, anticancer drugs, etc.