Abstract

Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular drug delivery that were created to address the drawbacks of traditionaldosage forms, specifically their poor bioavailability, instability, and systemic toxicity. It is constituted mostly of non-ionicsurfactants, cholesterol, and charge inducers, niosomes are capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobicmedicines within their water core and lipid bilayer, respectively. This review comprehensively discusses the composition,methods of preparation, and functional characteristics of niosomes, with a particular focus on their role in enhancingbioavailability and reducing drug-induced toxicity. Various preparation techniques, including ether injection, thin-film hydration,sonication, microfluidization, and transmembrane pH gradient methods, are highlighted. Examples including griseofulvin,anthocyanins, tretinoin, calcein, and antiviral medications support the critical examination of the use of niosomes in theadministration of antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and dermatological treatments.Additionally, the effectiveness of niosomes in targeted drug delivery, controlled release, brain targeting, and reduction of organspecifictoxicity is emphasized. Clinical translation is still hindered by issues including stability, largescale manufacturing,sterilization, and regulatory concerns, notwithstanding its benefits. Further perspectives focus on stimuli-responsive, ligandtargeted,and combination drug-loaded niosomes to improve therapeutic outcomes. Overall, niosomes represent a promisingand versatile vesicular carrier system with significant potential in improving drug bioavailability, safety, and patient compliance.