Author(s):
Harsh Vardhan, Abdullah Khan, Ashish Jain, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai
Email(s):
hvardhan1020@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2231-5659.2025.00007 
Address:
Harsh Vardhan, Abdullah Khan, Ashish Jain, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai
School of Pharmacy, LNCT University, Kolar Road, Bhopal, 462042, Madhya Pradesh, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 15,
Issue - 1,
Year - 2025
ABSTRACT:
Niosomes, non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular systems, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potential applications in drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine development. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of current research on niosomes, focusing on their formulation, characterization, and therapeutic applications. Various preparation methods, including thin-film hydration, reverse-phase evaporation, and microfluidic techniques, are critically evaluated for their efficiency in producing niosomes with controlled size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Recent advancements in surface modification strategies, such as PEGylation and targeting ligands, have enhanced the biocompatibility and targeting capabilities of niosomes, facilitating the delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The stability of niosomes under physiological conditions and their behavior in biological environments are also discussed, highlighting the influence of formulation parameters on drug release kinetics. Additionally, the review examines the integration of niosomes in emerging fields such as nanomedicine and personalized therapy, showcasing their role in overcoming barriers related to drug solubility and bioavailability. Recent clinical studies and preclinical trials underscore the therapeutic potential of niosomes in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. By synthesizing current findings, this article aims to provide insights into the future directions of niosome research, emphasizing their promise in revolutionizing drug delivery systems and improving therapeutic outcomes. The challenges and opportunities in scaling up production and regulatory considerations are also discussed, paving the way for the translation of niosome technology from laboratory settings to clinical applications.
Cite this article:
Harsh Vardhan, Abdullah Khan, Ashish Jain, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai. Niosomes in Drug Delivery: Current Researches in Niosomes. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2025; 15(1):44-6. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2025.00007
Cite(Electronic):
Harsh Vardhan, Abdullah Khan, Ashish Jain, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai. Niosomes in Drug Delivery: Current Researches in Niosomes. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2025; 15(1):44-6. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2025.00007 Available on: https://ajpsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-15-1-7
REFERENCES:
1. Aaqueeb Mangalgiri, Anwar Shaikh, Vinod Matole, Suyash Ingale. A Brief Review on Niosome Drug Delivery system. Res. J. Pharma. Dosage Forms and Tech. 2021; 13(1): 23-24. doi: 10.5958/0975-4377.2021.00005.7
2. Shreyas V Desai, Bhavna Joshi, Umesh Upadhyay. An Overview on Niosomes As Novel Drug Delivery Systems. Res. J. Pharma. Dosage Forms and Tech. 2020; 12(4): 271-281. doi: 10.5958/ 0975-4377.2020.00045.2
3. K. Nagasree, K. Pallavi, Ramya Sri S. Preparation and Evaluation of Niosomal Transdermal Patch of Clozapine. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2023; 13(1): 13-8. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2023.00003
4. Prakash Nathaniel Kumar Sarella, Veera Kumari Vendi, Anil Kumar Vipparthi, Surekha Valluri, Srujala Vegi. Advances in Proniosomes: Harnessing Nanotechnology for Enhanced Drug Delivery. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2024; 14(3): 279-6. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2024.00046
5. Jangam Payal R, Thombre Nilima A, Gaikwad Pallavi N. A Review: Proniosomes as a Novel Drug Delivery System. Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2017; 7(3): 166-174. doi: 10.5958/2231-5713.2017.00027.7
6. Bagheri A, Chu B, Yaakob H. Niosomal Drug Delivery Systems: Formulation, Preparation and Applications. World Applied Sciences Journal. 2014; 32(8): 1671-1685. doi: 10.5829/ idosi.wasj.2014.32.08.848.
7. Carlotta M, Luisa Di M, Federica R, Christian C, Donatella P, Franco A, Sara E, Maria C. Niosomes from 80s to present: The state of the art, Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2014; 205, 187-206. doi: 10.1016/j.cis.2013.11.018.
8. Nakkala Balaji, V. Sai Kishore, Kasani Hari Krishna Gouda.. Niosomes-Promising Drug Carrier: A Review. Research J. Pharma. Dosage Forms and Tech. 2011; 3(2): 42-47.
9. Moghassemi S, and Hadjizadeh A. Nano-niosomes as nanoscale drug delivery systems: An illustrated review. Journal of Controlled Release. 2014; 185: 22–36. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.04.015.
10. Desale Kishor B. Darekar A.B., Saudagar R.B. An Overview a Novel Trend in Drug Delivery: Niosomes. Res. J. Pharm. Dosage Form. and Tech. 2016; 8(3): 211-217. doi: 10.5958/0975-4377.2016.00029.X
11. Abdelkader H, Alani AW, Alany RG. Recent advances in non-ionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes): self-assembly, fabrication, characterization, drug delivery applications and limitations. Drug Deliv. 2014; 21(2): 87-100. doi: 10.3109/10717544.2013.838077.
12. Sahin, N. Niosomes as Nanocarrier Systems. Nanomaterials and Nanosystems for Biomedical Applications. 2007; 67–81. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-6289-6_4.
13. Ahmad, Mohammad and Bhatnagar, Devyani and Ladhe, Shreya and Kumar, Dileep and Pathak, Kalyani and Das, Dr Ratna and Mustafa, Dr. Gulam and Sarma, Himangshu. Liposomes and Niosomes for Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutical Nanobiotechnology for Targeted Therapy. Nanotechnology in the Life Sciences. Springer, Cham. 2022; 337-359. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-12658-1_12
14. Kazi KM, Mandal AS, Biswas N, Guha A, Chatterjee S, Behera M, Kuotsu K. Niosome: A future of targeted drug delivery systems. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2010; 1(4): 374-80. doi: 10.4103/0110-5558.76435.
15. Pires PC, Paiva-Santos AC, Veiga F. Liposome-Derived Nanosystems for the Treatment of Behavioral and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Promise of Niosomes, Transfersomes, and Ethosomes for Increased Brain Drug Bioavailability. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023; 8: 16(10): 1424. doi.org/10.3390/ph16101424
16. Kaur Prabhjot, Kaur Loveleenpreet. Niosomes used as Targeting Drug Delivery System: A Overview. Asian J. Research Chem. July 2014; 7(7): 687-692.
17. Lin T, Fang Q, Peng D, Huang X, Zhu T, Luo Q, Zhou K, Chen W. PEGylated non-ionic surfactant vesicles as drug delivery systems for Gambogenic acid. Drug Deliv. 2013; 20(7): 277-84. doi: 10.3109/10717544.2013.836618.
18. Uchegbu IF, Vyas SP. Non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles (niosomes) in drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 1998 Oct 15; 172(1-2): 33-70. doi.org/10.1016/ s0378-5173(98)00169-0
19. Arunothayanun P, Bernard MS, Craig DQ, Uchegbu IF, Florence AT. The effect of processing variables on the physical characteristics of non-ionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) formed from a hexadecyl diglycerol ether. Int J Pharm. 2000; 201(1): 7-14. doi: 10.1016/ s0378-5173(00)00362-8.
20. Biswal S, Murthy PN, Sahu J, Sahoo P, Amir F. Vesicles of non-ionic surfactants (niosomes) and drug delivery potential. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology (IJPSN). 2008 may 31; 1(1): 1-8. doi.org/10.37285/ijpsn.2008.1.1.1
21. Rogerson A, Cummings J, Willmott N, Florence AT. The distribution of doxorubicin in mice following administration in niosomes. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1988 May; 40(5): 337-42. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1988.tb05263.x.
22. Sharma G, Gaba P and Sharma N. Niosomes as potential vesicular carrier for drug targeting: a review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences. 2019; 9 (3): 563-572. doi: doi.org/10.21276/ijpbs.2019.9.3.73
23. Sharma R, Dua JS, Prasad D, Hira S, Monika. Advancement in novel drug delivery system: niosomes. JDDT. 2019; 9(3-s): 995-001. doi: https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v9i3-s.2931.
24. Vyas S, Khar R. Targeted and Controlled Drug Delivery, Novel Carrier System. CBS publication. 2007; 1: 249-279.
25. Baillie AJ, Coombs GH, Dolan TF, Laurie J. Non-ionic surfactant vesicles, niosomes, as a delivery system for the anti-leishmanial drug, sodium stibogluconate. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1986; 38(7): 502-5. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1986.tb04623.x.
26. Rajera R, Nagpal K, Singh SK, Mishra DN. Niosomes: a controlled and novel drug delivery system. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011; 34(7): 945-53. doi: 10.1248/bpb.34.945.
27. Desai SV, Joshi B, Upadhyay U. An Overview on Niosomes: As Novel Drug Delivery Systems. Res. J. Pharma. Dosage Forms and Tech. 2020; 12(4): 271-281. doi: 10.5958/0975-4377.2020.00045.2.
28. Anchal S and Pravin P. Recent Trends in Niosome as Vesicular Drug Delivery System. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2012; 2(6): 20-32. doi: 10.7324/japs.2012.2625.
29. Rogerson A, Cummings J, Willmott N, Florence AT. The distribution of doxorubicin in mice following administration in niosomes. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1988; 40(5): 337-42. doi: 10.1111/ j.2042-7158.1988.tb05263.x.
30. Marwa A, Sammour AO, Hanaa E, Mohammed A. Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of diclofenac sodium niosomal formulations. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2013; 4(5): 1757-1765. doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.4(5).1757-65.
31. Baillie AJ, Coombs GH, Dolan TF, Laurie J. Non-ionic surfactant vesicles, niosomes, as a delivery system for the anti-leishmanial drug, sodium stibogluconate. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1986; 38(7): 502-5. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1986.tb04623.x.
32. Okore VC, Attama AA, Ofokansi KC, Esimone CO, Onuigbo EB. Formulation and evaluation of niosomes. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011; 73(3): 323-8. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.93515.
33. Khan R, Irchhaiya R. Niosomes. A potential tool for novel drug delivery. Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation 46, 195–204 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40005-016-0249-9.
34. Goswami S, Pathak D. Niosomes- A review of current status and application, World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017; 6: 594-615. doi:10.20959/wjpps20176-9296.
35. Mayer LD, Bally MB, Hope MJ, Cullis PR. Uptake of antineoplastic agents into large unilamellar vesicles in response to a membrane potential. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1985; 816(2): 294-302. doi: 10.1016/0005-2736(85)90497-3.
36. Hao Y, Zhao F, Li N, Yang Y, Li K. Studies on a high encapsulation of colchicine by a niosome system. Int J Pharm. 2002 Sep 5; 244(1-2): 73-80. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5173(02)00301-0.
37. More VV. Niosomal drug delivery-a comprehensive review. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics (AJP). 2018; 12(04). doi.org/10.22377/ ajp.v12i04.2904.
38. Kshitij B. Makeshwar, Suraj R. Wasankar. Niosome: a Novel Drug Delivery System. Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2013; 3(1): 15-19. doi: 10.5958/2231–5691.
39. Sanket K, Prakash J and Vivekkumar, R. Overview on Niosome. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2023; 11(4): 143–154. doi.org/10.22270/ ajprd.v11i4.1295.
40. Hongdan Ma, Dongyan Guo, Yu Fan, Jing Wang, Jiangxue Cheng, Xiaofei Zhang. Paeonol-loaded ethosomes as transdermal delivery carriers: design, preparation and evaluation, Molecules. 2018; 23(7): 1756. doi:10.3390/molecules23071756
41. Hunter CA, Dolan TF, Coombs GH, Baillie AJ. Vesicular systems (niosomes and liposomes) for delivery of sodium stibogluconate in experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1988; 40(3): 161-5. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1988.tb05210.x.
42. Balasubramaniam A, Kumar VA, Pillai KS. Formulation and in vivo evaluation of niosome-encapsulated daunorubicin hydrochloride. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2002; 28(10): 1181-93. doi: 10.1081/ddc-120015351.
43. Parthasarathi G, Udupa N, Umadevi P, Pillai GK. Niosome encapsulated of vincristine sulfate: improved anticancer activity with reduced toxicity in mice. J Drug Target. 1994; 2(2): 173-82. doi: 10.3109/10611869409015907.
44. Peeyush B, Purnima T, Rishikesh G, Sonia P. Niosomes: A review on niosomal research in the last decade. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. 2020; 56(A): 101581. doi.org/10.1016/ j.jddst.2020.101581.
45. Rinaldi F, Hanieh PN, Chan LKN, Angeloni L, Passeri D, Rossi M, Wang JT, Imbriano A, Carafa M, Marianecci C. Chitosan Glutamate-Coated Niosomes: A Proposal for Nose-to-Brain Delivery. Pharmaceutics. 2018; 22: 10(2): 38. doi: 10.3390/ pharmaceutics10020038.
46. Liga S, Paul C, Moacă EA, Péter F. Niosomes: Composition, Formulation Techniques, and Recent Progress as Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(2): 223. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020223.
47. Udupa N, Chandraprakash KS, Umadevi P, Pillai GK. Formulation and evaluation of methotrexate niosomes. Drug Dev Indust Pharm. 1993; 19(11): 1331–42. doi:10.3109/03639049309074404.
48. Wagh VD, Deshmukh OJ. Itraconazole Niosomes Drug Delivery System and Its Antimycotic Activity against Candida albicans. ISRN Pharm. 2012; 2012: 653465. doi: 10.5402/2012/653465.
49. Alam M, Zubair S, Farazuddin M, Ahmad E, Khan A, Zia Q, Malik A, Mohammad O. Development, characterization and efficacy of niosomal diallyl disulfide in treatment of disseminated murine candidiasis. Nanomedicine. 2013; 9(2): 247-56. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2012.07.004.
50. Gupta, Alka and Kar, Hemanta. Antidermatophytic activity of miconazole nanoformulation against Trichophyton rubrum. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2015; 5(9): 707-710. doi: 10.1016/S2222-1808(15)60917-3.
51. Brewer JM and Alexander JA. The Adjuvant Activity of Non-Ionic Surfactant Vesicles (Niosomes) on the BALB/c Humoral Response to Bovine Serum Albumin. Immunology. 1992; 75(4): 570-575.
52. Aggarwal D, Kaur IP. Improved pharmacodynamics of timolol maleate from a mucoadhesive niosomal ophthalmic drug delivery system. Int J Pharm. 2005; 290(1-2): 155-9. doi: 10.1016/ j.ijpharm.2004.10.026.
53. Patil P, Bhagwat P, Sankpal P, Patil S, Dhawale S. Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal Niosomal Gel for Antihyperlipidemic Agent. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology-Asia. 2024; 14(2):88-97. doi:10.2174/0122106812257984240416113059
54. Maheshwari R, Sharma M, Chidrawar VR. Niosomes based formulation containing tenoxicam: A newer solution for the rheumatic diseases. Ann Pharm Fr. 2024; 82(3): 473-482. doi: 10.1016/j.pharma.2023.10.010.
55. Tyagi R, Waheed A, Kumar N, Ahad A, Bin Jardan YA, Mujeeb M, Kumar A, Naved T, Madan S. Formulation and Evaluation of Plumbagin-Loaded Niosomes for an Antidiabetic Study: Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023; 16(8): 1169. doi: 10.3390/ph16081169.
56. Afreen U, Fahelelbom KM, Shah SN, Ashames A, Almas U, Khan SA, Yameen MA, Nisar N, Asad MH, Murtaza G. Formulation and evaluation of niosomes-based chlorpheniramine gel for the treatment of mild to moderate skin allergy. Journal of Experimental Nanoscience. 2022 Dec 31; 17(1): 467-95.
57. Umbarkar MG. Niosome as a Novel Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery: A Brief Review Highlighting Formulation, Types, Composition and Application. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. 2021; 2: 55. doi:10.5530/ijper.55.1s.34
58. Monireh ER, Abdurrahim CE, Gozde OI, Meral Y, Ali Z. Optimization of curcumin loaded niosomes for drug delivery applications, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2022; 654: 129921. doi.org/10.1016/ j.colsurfa.2022.129921.
59. Robabehbeygom G, Iman Akbarzadeh, Mohammad Tavakkoli Yaraki, Aseman Lajevardi, Mahdi Fatemizadeh, Leily Heidarpoor Saremi. Preparation, physicochemical properties, in vitro evaluation and release behavior of cephalexin-loaded niosomes. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2019 569: 118580. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118580.
60. Abou-Taleb HA, Khallaf RA, and Abdel-Aleem JA. Intranasal niosomes of nefopam with improved bioavailability: preparation, optimization, and in-vivo evaluation. and quot; Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2018; 12: 3501–3516. doi.org/10.2147/ DDDT.S177746.
61. Jacob S, Nair AB, Al-Dhubiab BE. Preparation and evaluation of niosome gel containing acyclovir for enhanced dermal deposition. Journal of Liposome Research. 2016; 27(4): 283–292. doi.org/10.1080/08982104.2016.1224897.
62. Rajendran V. Effect of niosomes in the transdermal delivery of antidepressant sertraline hydrochloride. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research. 2016; 5(4): 138-48.
63. El-Ridy MS, Yehia SA, Kassem M A E M, Mostafa DM, Nasr EA, Asfour MH. Niosomal encapsulation of ethambutol hydrochloride for increasing its efficacy and safety. Drug Delivery. 2013; 22(1): 21–36. doi.org/10.3109/ 10717544.2013.868556.
64. Puras G, Mashal M, Zárate J, Agirre M, Ojeda E, Grijalvo S, Eritja R, Diaz-Tahoces A, Navarrete GM, Avilés-Trigueros M, Fernández E. A novel cationic niosome formulation for gene delivery to the retina. Journal of Controlled Release. 2014; 174: 27-36. doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.11.004.
65. Onochie ITO., Nwakile CD, Umeyor CE, Uronnachi EM, Osonwa UE, Attama AA., Esimone CO. Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomes of Benzyl Penicillin. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2013; 3(12): 066-071. doi: 10.7324/japs.2013.31212.
66. Shirsand S, Para M, Nagendrakumar D, Kanani K, Keerthy D. Formulation and evaluation of Ketoconazole niosomal gel drug delivery system. Int J Pharm Investig. 2012; 2(4): 201-7. doi: 10.4103/2230-973X.107002.
67. Rungphanichkul N, Nimmannit U, Muangsiri W, Rojsitthisak P. Preparation of curcuminoid niosomes for enhancement of skin permeation. Die Pharmazie-An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011; 66(8): 570-5. doi.org/10.1691/ ph.2011.1018.