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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Functionalized niosomes as a smart delivery device in cancer and fungal infection
Priyadarshi Aparajay1, Abhimanyu Dev1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand - 835215 (India).
Abstract:
Various diseases remain untreated due to lack of suitable therapeutic moiety or a suitable drug delivery device, especially where toxicities and side effects are the primary reason for concern. Cancer and fungal infections are diseases where treatment schedules are not completed due to severe side effects or lengthy treatment protocols. Advanced treatment approaches such as active targeting and inhibition of angiogenesis may be preferred method for the treatment for malignancy over the conventional method. Niosomes may be a better alternative drug delivery carrier for various therapeutic moieties (either hydrophilic or hydrophobic) and also due to ease of surface modification, non-immunogenicity and economical. Active targeting approach may be done by targeting the receptors through coupling of suitable ligand on niosomal surface. Moreover, various receptors (CD44, folate, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) & Vascular growth factor receptor (VGFR)) expressed by malignant cells have also been reviewed. The preparation of suitable niosomal formulation also requires considerable attention, and its formulation depends upon various factors such as selection of non-ionic surfactant, method of fabrication, and fabrication parameters. A combination therapy (dual drug and immunotherapy) has been proposed for the treatment of fungal infection with special consideration for surface modification with suitable ligand on niosomal surface to sensitize the receptors (C-type lectin receptors, Toll-like receptors & Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors) present on immune cells involved in fungal immunity. Certain gene silencing concept has also been discussed as an advanced alternative treatment for cancer by silencing the mRNA at molecular level using short interfering RNA (si-RNA).
Insights
Niosomes offer a versatile drug delivery system for challenging diseases like cancer and fungal infections. Their surface can be modified for targeted delivery, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Many diseases, including cancer and fungal infections, face treatment challenges due to drug toxicity and side effects.
- Conventional therapies often lead to incomplete treatment schedules, necessitating advanced approaches.
- Niosomes present a promising alternative drug delivery carrier due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore niosomes as advanced drug delivery carriers for challenging diseases.
- To review active targeting strategies using niosomes for cancer treatment.
- To propose combination therapies and surface modifications for fungal infection treatment.
Main Methods:
- Niosomal formulations were investigated for their potential in delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
- Active targeting strategies involved coupling ligands to the niosomal surface to target specific receptors (e.g., CD44, folate, EGFR, VGFR) on cancer cells.
- For fungal infections, combination therapy with immunotherapy was proposed, utilizing niosomal surface modification to target immune cell receptors (e.g., C-type lectin receptors, TLRs, NLRs).
- Gene silencing using short interfering RNA (si-RNA) was discussed as an advanced cancer treatment modality.
Main Results:
- Niosomes demonstrate potential for improved drug delivery, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
- Surface modification of niosomes allows for targeted delivery to malignant cells and immune cells.
- Advanced strategies like combination therapy and gene silencing show promise for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Niosomes are adaptable drug carriers suitable for various therapeutic moieties.
- Targeted delivery via niosome surface modification can improve treatment specificity and reduce toxicity.
- Niosomes, combined with advanced therapeutic strategies, offer a pathway to more effective treatments for cancer and fungal infections.
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