PRONIOSOMAL GEL: AN EMERGING APPROACH FOR CONTROLLED AND ENHANCED TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Abstract

Proniosomes are advanced vesicular drug delivery systems that have gained considerable attention due to their improved stability, controlled drug release, and enhanced drug permeation characteristics. They are dry or semisolid formulations composed mainly of non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol, lecithin, and suitable solvents, which upon hydration form niosomal vesicles. Proniosomal gels provide several advantages over conventional vesicular systems such as improved physical stability, reduced leakage, ease of transportation, storage, and handling. These carrier systems are widely investigated for oral, transdermal, ocular, intranasal, and targeted drug delivery applications. Proniosomes enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs and improve therapeutic efficacy by sustaining drug release and increasing drug penetration through biological membranes. Various nonionic surfactants including Spans, Tweens, Brij, Poloxamers, and sugar esters are employed in formulation development depending upon the desired entrapment efficiency and vesicle characteristics. Proniosomal gels are commonly prepared by coacervation phase separation, slurry method, and slow spray coating technique. Evaluation parameters such as vesicle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, optical microscopy, and stability studies are important in determining the quality and performance of proniosomal formulations. Due to their non-toxic nature, versatility, and potential for controlled and targeted drug delivery, proniosomes represent a promising approach for future pharmaceutical applications and novel therapeutic systems.