Abstract: A method of targeted drug delivery and imaging using nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) in combination with ultrasound is presented. Niosomes have potential applications in targeted drug delivery and imaging because of their ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents and their enhanced uptake by physiological membranes. The niosomes may be administered to the subject via catheter. Ultrasound may be used to mediate delivery non-invasively by altering the niosome membrane structure. Niosomes composed of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 61), cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate were synthesized via a thin film hydration technique and used for encapsulation studies. Carboxyfluorescein dye (CF) was used as a drug model to demonstrate delivery. The amount of dye in the niosomes, the concentration of the vesicles, and their mean particle size after each 5 minute incremental exposure to ultrasound was monitored.

Abstract: A method of targeted drug delivery and imaging using nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) in combination with ultrasound. Niosomes have potential applications in targeted drug delivery and imaging because of their ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents and their enhanced uptake by physiological membranes. Ultrasound may be used to mediate delivery non-invasively by altering the niosome membrane structure. Niosomes composed of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 61), cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate were synthesized via a thin film hydration technique and used for encapsulation studies. Carboxyfluorescein dye (CF) was used as a drug model to demonstrate delivery. The amount of dye in the niosomes, the concentration of the vesicles, and their mean particle size after each 5 minute incremental exposure to ultrasound was monitored. Dye concentration in niosome samples decreased while the population and size distribution of the niosome remained largely unchanged.

Abstract: Taught herein is a drug-delivery system that includes encapsulating a therapeutic drug in a nanoparticle vesicle that is then embedded into a hydrogel network. The system allows for enhanced, two-fold control over the release rate of the drug. This technology will be particularly advantageous in treating malignant cancer cells such as those found in the brain. The invention will allow for decreased side effects and increased survival time in patients. This invention opens the door to other technological applications that require controlled release of chemical substances.

Abstract: An immunoniosmes for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to specific tissues in a host and methods of synthesis of those niosomes. An antibody molecule having specificity for a target antigen, such as a cell surface marker or other marker differentially expressed on a target cell, is covalently coupled to a functionalized membrane constituent. In a particular embodiment the functionalized membrane constituent is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate functionalized with cyanuric chloride. The niosomes of this invention thus provide a composition that enhances internalization or retention of the bioactive agent of the niosome into the cytoplasm of the cells of the target tissue by providing a high degree of target specificity. Furthermore, the membrane vesicle enhances the life of the therapeutic agent by preventing its degradation in the extracellular environment, while exhibiting lower toxicity than can occur with some liposomes.

Abstract: A method of targeted drug delivery and imaging using nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) in combination with ultrasound. Niosomes have potential applications in targeted drug delivery and imaging because of their ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents and their enhanced uptake by physiological membranes. Ultrasound may be used to mediate delivery non-invasively by altering the niosome membrane structure. Niosomes composed of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 61), cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate were synthesized via a thin film hydration technique and used for encapsulation studies. Carboxyfluorescein dye (CF) was used as a drug model to demonstrate delivery. The amount of dye in the niosomes, the concentration of the vesicles, and their mean particle size after each 5 minute incremental exposure to ultrasound was monitored. Dye concentration in niosome samples decreased while the population and size distribution of the niosome remained largely unchanged.