Abstract

PRONIOSOMES: A VERSATILE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Padma Sree V., Praveen Sivadasu* and Padmalatha Katamaneni

Abstract

In recent times nanotechnology is considered a technology that could revolutionize the field of life sciences including drug delivery. Further, one of the recent advancements in the field of nanotechnology is proniosomes. Proniosomes are a dry formulation of water-soluble carrier particles that are coated with surfactant and can be measured out as needed and dehydrated to form niosomal dispersion immediately before use on brief agitation in hot aqueous media within minutes. Prevesicular systems, such as proniosomes overcome the problems of vesicular systems such as aggregation, fusion, and leakage of drugs and provide additional convenience in transportation, distribution, storage, and dosing. Conventional vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosomes are particulate and face stability related problems. This new emerging concept has demonstrated the potential in improving the oral bioavailability, targeting drugs to the specific site and also permeation of drugs across the stratum corneum. It prolongs the existence of the drug in systemic circulation and reduces the toxicity. This review provides information regarding the formulation and evaluation of proniosomes including morphology, particle size, drug release, and their advantages over the niosomes.

Keywords: Proniosomes; Niosomes; Permeation; Vesicular systems; Skin.