Development and Characterization of Luteolin Loaded Niosomesfor Effective Deliveryin Wound Healing

ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the development of luteolin-loaded niosomes aimed at enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of luteolin for wound healing applications. Luteolin, despite its potential, faces significant limitations such as low absorption, poor water solubility, and reduced bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, a sustained-release formulation of luteolin-loaded niosomes was developed for topical application. The formulation was optimized using Design Expert software (Version 11) inBox-Behnken Design (BBD) through response surface methodology. Niosomes were prepared via the thinfilm hydration method, with three factors and two levels used in the optimization process. The niosomal preparationswere evaluated by polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, vesicle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and in-vitro drug release profile. The optimized luteolin-loaded niosomes showed a vesicle size of 267.2 nm, a PDI of 0.34, a zeta potential of -20.25 mV, and an EE of 78.31%. In-vitro drug release studies established a sustained release of 67.08% over 12 hours. These results demonstrate that the developed luteolin-loaded niosomal formulations have the potential for sustained release, improving the therapeutic efficacy of luteolin in wound healing applications. This formulation shows promise in addressing the bioavailability issues of luteolin and enhancing its effectiveness in wound management.