PROGRESS IN THE FIELD OF NIOSOMES AS NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Niosomes are novel drug delivery system that are having bilayer in structure and these vesicles are obtained during hydration of synthetic non-ionic surfactants, with the incorporation of cholesterol or their lipids. These vesicles present convenient, prolonged, targeted and effective drug delivery system with the ability of loading both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The hydrophilic drugs are entrapped into aqueous core while the lipophilic drugs into the lipid membrane. Their potential can be enhanced by the use of novel preparations, loading and modification methods. This article reviews the current deepening and widening of interest of niosomes. Keywords: Introduction, Method of preparation, Marketed formulation, Patent citations, Opportunities and Challenges.