Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
05:28
A Positioning Device for the Placement of Mice During Intranasal siRNA Delivery to the Central Nervous System
Published on: August 15, 2019
25.7K
Niosomal approach to brain delivery: Development, characterization and in vitro toxicological studies
C Ingallina1, F Rinaldi2, A Bogni3
1Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (ITT), Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|August 8, 2016
Summary
Niosomes offer a promising non-invasive strategy for brain drug delivery, overcoming the blood-brain barrier. These nanocarriers demonstrate potential for sustained release of therapeutics to the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly restricts the delivery of active agents to the brain.
- Non-invasive nanocarrier strategies are crucial for effective brain drug delivery.
- Niosomes show potential for crossing the BBB by interacting with LDL receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate niosomes as nanocarriers for enhanced brain drug delivery.
- To correlate niosome physicochemical properties with their drug delivery efficacy.
- To assess the potential of niosomes for sustained release in the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of niosome dimensions and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering and asymmetric flow-field fractionation.
- Evaluation of lipid bilayer properties (fluidity, polarity, microviscosity) via fluorescent probe spectroscopy.
- Morphological and homogeneity assessment using atomic force microscopy.
- Stability studies (physicochemical and serum) using dynamic light scattering.
- In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and cellular internalization in U87-MG glioblastoma cells.
Main Results:
- Niosomes demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties for brain delivery.
- Polysorbate-coated niosomes facilitated interaction with LDL receptors for endothelial cell uptake.
- Characterization confirmed vesicle integrity, stability, and controlled release potential.
- In vitro studies showed acceptable cytotoxicity and efficient internalization by glioblastoma cells.
Conclusions:
- Niosomes are effective nanocarriers for non-invasive brain drug delivery.
- Their properties support crossing the blood-brain barrier and cellular uptake.
- Niosomes show promise for sustained therapeutic agent release in the central nervous system.
