Volume : 13, Issue : 01, January – 2026
Title:
DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACYCLOVIR-LOADED NIOSOMES FOR TARGETED THERAPY AGAINST HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS
Authors :
Akash Sengar, Pramod Katare, Kuldeep Chauarasiya
Abstract :
The present work aimed to formulate and evaluate niosomes of acyclovir for the treatment of ocular infections caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. Niosomes, composed of nano-sized multilamellar vesicles, offer enhanced drug delivery potential due to their ability to improve bioavailability, stability, and controlled release. Preformulation studies confirmed that acyclovir is a white, amorphous, odorless powder with solubility in water, phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4), simulated tear fluid, and 0.1 N HCl, while being insoluble in methanol and ethanol. UV spectrophotometric analysis revealed a reproducible λmax at 254 nm with linearity in the concentration range of 2–10 μg/ml (r² = 0.996), confirming adherence to Beer–Lambert’s law. Partition coefficient studies (value 1.53) indicated moderate lipophilicity, and IR spectroscopy authenticated the drug’s structural integrity. Compatibility studies demonstrated no interference between drug and polymers. Niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with nonionic surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80) and cholesterol, followed by sonication to achieve uniform vesicle size. Optimized formulations exhibited spherical, multilamellar vesicles with mean particle sizes ranging from 412–476 nm, polydispersity index of 0.181 ± 0.01, and high drug entrapment efficiency (92.63–98.83%). SEM analysis confirmed nanometer-sized vesicles with irregular surfaces. In vitro release studies showed biphasic release, with an initial burst attributed to surface-adsorbed drug, followed by sustained release up to 92.13%. Formulations incorporated into eye suspensions were clear, homogeneous, and stable, with pH maintained between 7.0–7.2. Stability testing was revealed minimal drug leakage under refrigerated conditions, while elevated temperatures increased leakage due to lipid bilayer degradation.
KEYWORDS: Niosomes, Herpes Simplex, Acyclovir, Targeted Therapy, Stability
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Akash Sengar et al., Design And Characterization Of Acyclovir-Loaded Niosomes For Targeted Therapy Against Herpes Simplex Virus, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(01).
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