Next-generation composite vesicular systems: an in-depth review of proniosomes in advanced drug delivery

Proniosomes represent an advanced composite vesicular platform that integrates non-ionic surfactants, lipids, and biodegradable carriers to significantly improve drug solubility, stability, and transmembrane delivery. These dry powdery formulations are transformed into multiscale niosomes upon contact with a hydrated medium to achieve controlled release and enhanced drug permeability. This seminal review delineates the transformative potential of proniosomal systems in treating various diseases, detailing diverse routes of administration, formulation techniques, mechanisms of action, as well as their advantages and limitations. Proniosomes address major issues such as systemic toxicity, poor solubility, and erratic absorption while maintaining green chemistry principles owing to their biodegradable constituents. By critically analyzing the potential for industrial translation, this review highlights the knowledge gap on clinical studies, scalability, and regulatory issues. The translation potential has even been further enhanced by recent developments in bioconjugation and nanotechnology, such as ligand-anchored proniosomes that enable active targeting. The topic's relevance is evident, as proniosomes complement next-generation biotechnology tools, such as mRNA delivery, while offering a sustainable alternative to liposomes. By compiling the most recent data, this review strives to catalyze innovation in novel drug delivery, making it essential for researchers and pharmaceutical developers.