Niosomes from alpha,omega-trioxyethylene-bis(sodium 2-dodecyloxy-propylenesulfonate): preparation and characterization

The synthesis and characterisation of new surfactants with peculiar physical-chemical properties are amongst the most promising and expanding issues in pharmacological colloid science. The most used vesicular carriers are liposomes prepared from a wide variety of natural and synthetic phospholipids, but several ionic and non-ionic amphiphiles have been used to form multilamellar and/or unilamellar vesicles. In the present study the synthesis of alpha,omega-trioxyethylene-bis(sodium 2-dodecyloxy-propylenesulfonate), an anionic Gemini surfactant, and its ability to form niosomes are elucidated. The compound forms vesicles with and without added cholesterol. The vesicular systems were characterized by size, shape and drug entrapment efficiency. The compounds to be incorporated are beta-carotene and ferulic acid, as antioxidants, acetyl salicylic acid, as FANS, and the antineoplastic 5-flurouracil, widely used in dermatological disorders. The results of this study show that alpha,omega-trioxyethylene-bis(sodium 2-dodecyloxy-propylenesulfonate) can be used for the preparation of niosomes entrapping lypophilic, amphiphilic or hydrophilic substances. These niosomes may be promising candidates as percutaneous carriers for the aforementioned drugs.