What is the Difference Between Liposomes and Niosomes?

Liposomes and niosomes are both vesicular systems used for drug delivery and gene transfer. However, they have some differences in their composition and properties:

1. Composition: Liposomes are made up of concentric bilayers of lipids, while niosomes are made up of surfactants with or without the incorporation of lipids.
2. Size: The size of liposomes typically ranges from 10 to 3000 nm, while the size of niosomes ranges from 10 to 100 nm.
3. Stability and Permeability: Niosomes possess deeper permeability and stability compared to liposomes.
4. Economics: The methods for preparing niosomes are more economic, and the components are cheaper compared to phospholipids used in liposomes.
5. Classification: Niosomes are classified according to vesicle size into MLVs (100–1000 nm), LUVs (100–250 nm), and SUVs (10–100 nm particle size).

Both liposomes and niosomes are membranous vesicles, deliver pharmaceutical drugs and nutrients to the target site, have a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core, are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable materials, and are non-immunogenic, reducing the toxicity of drugs.

Comparative Table: Liposomes vs Niosomes

Liposomes and niosomes are both delivery vesicles used in drug and nutrient transport, but they have distinct differences. Here is a summary of their characteristics:

Both liposomes and niosomes are membranous vesicles, made up of a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core, and are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable materials.