Synthesis of niosomes of diclofenac sodium and their microscopic evaluation

Objective: Incorporation of drugs into non-ionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) during their manufacture affords apossible method of achieving controlled release. The aim of this study was to formulate niosomes as carriers for delivery of diclofenac sodium (DCS) to achieve controlled release. Method: Niosomes were prepared by Ether injection method using non-ionic surfactant (Span 80) and cholesterol in ratio of 1:1, the organic solvent (dichloromethane) and phosphate buffer. Results: The prepared niosomes were then evaluated for physical appearance, light microscopy, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and entrapment efficiency.Conclusion: Diclofenac sodium niosomes were prepared successfully without using charge inducing surfaces andwere confirmed by microscopic evaluation.