Abstract:
Niosomes have been extensively investigated for drug delivery, drug targeting, controlled release and enhancing solubility. The aim of present investigation was to develop and characterize the 5-flurouracil niosomal drug delivery system that will-protect from body immune system (stealth niosomes), prolong drug release. The niosomes were prepared by ether injection method using span 60 as a nonionic surfactant, niosomal dispersion was bath sonicated for different period of time to reduce particle size at or above the phase transition temperature of surfactant. The preformed niosomes were incubated with PEGylated lipid (5mol %) for 30 minuites. The un-entrapped drug was separated by centrifugation. It was observed that with increase in total molar concentration of surfactant and cholesterol, % entrapment efficiency increased. To formulate formulations total concentration of lipid 300µ moles was selected. It was observed that increase in sonication time reduces the particle size of the niosomes. After 15 minutes of sonication average particle size was found to be 244nm. PEGylated lipid coated niosomes were found larger than the conventional ones. In 6-hrs in vitro drug release study PEGylated lipid coated niosomes showed controlled release of 5- FU. Stability study indicates that the PEGylated niosomes showed more drug retention stability than conventional niosomes.

Keywords: Niosomes, 5-flurouracil, Stability, Drug Release.