Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Pharmacy - Department of Pharmaceutics

Vesicular systems are innovative means of transporting drugs in controlled manner, to improve bioavailability and get beneficial therapeutic effect over an extended period of time. Niosomes are such hydrated vesicular systems formulated by hydration of synthetic nonionic surfactants in addition to cholesterol or other lipids transporting drugs to targeted site. They are harmless and stable over an extended period of time in different circumstances, so they get rid drawbacks of liposomes. The properties and structure of niosomes are similar to those of liposomes, while differ from liposomes in the chemical stability. Low cost of materials used to prepare niosomes makes them more attractive than liposomes for industrial productions in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.Niosomes can be used as carriers of hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs and enhance their therapeutic index by restricting their action to target cells. Also, niosomes are used due to their ability to enhance solubility of poor water soluble drugs; they increase both permeability and fluidity of biological membrane so they enhance bioavailability by transdermal route

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