Design and Development of Niosomal Delivery System for Ketoprofen

Abstract

Niosomes are efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery, to entrap hydrophilic drugs in the larger interior aqueous layer, whereas, lipophilic drugs in the outer lipid bilayers. Since, the niosomes are biodegradable and non toxic and hence, a good carrier for targeting of therapeutic agents at the site of interest with reduced systemic toxicity. The film formation method was used for the preparation of the niosomes due to simplicity, reproducibility and high drug entrapment efficiency. The various ratios of Surfactant (Span 60) Cholesterol and Dicetyl phosphate (DCP) were used for the preparation of the niosomes. The molar ratio of 47.5:47.5:5 was found to be most suitable in terms of niosomal size drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The average size of niosomes was observed as 4.5 µ m with drug entrapment efficiency of 62.4%. The in vitro drug release study was carried out using dialysis membrane in Phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) for 24 hrs.  The result showed a cumulative drug release of 98% in 8 hrs. from the free drug, against 92% drug release in 24 hrs. With optimized niosomal formulation. The optimized niosomal formulation showed a sustained action of about 16 hrs was subjected to in vivo studies (anti-inflammatory activity). This formulation was found to be more effective in reducing edema after 2 hrs as compared to the free drug.  Copyright © www.iiste.org

Key-word: - Niosomes, biodegradable, film formation method, drug entrapment efficiency, dialysis membrane.