Aim and Background: Vincristine is a herbal anticancer drug which is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as lymphoma. Niosomes are important drug carriers. The aim of this study was to prepare PEGylated niosomal form of vincristine in order to increase its efficacy in lymph nodes’ cancer.
Material and Methods: PEGylated niosomal vincristine (PEG-nVCR) was prepared by thin film hydration method. Physicochemical properties of niosomal formulation, such as size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy, release rate, stability and cytotoxicity were studied. Mean size and zeta potential was measured by dynamic light scattering. Releasing rate of drug from niosomes was determined by dialysis diffusion method. Cytotoxicity study was evaluated by MTT assay.
Results: mean particle size and zeta potential was obtained about 118.1±2.3 nm and -21.5±1.2 mV, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of PEG-nVCR against Raji cells was significantly higher than of free drug. Stability study indicated that PEG-nVCR was stable for at least two months. Release of drug from PEG-nVCR formulation showed a sustained release pattern, while the free drug release rate reached to 100 % less than 6 hours.
Conclusion: our findings demonstrated that the use of niosomes as a drug carrier plays an important role in anticancer efficacy of vincristine and can be considered as an alternative to conventional form.
 

Keywords: Niosomes, Vincristine, Controlled release, Cytotoxicity, Raji Cell Line

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