| Long
circulating niosomes/surface modification with hydrophilic
polymers such as PEG |
Enhanced permeability and retention
(ERP) effect |
Passive targeting to tissues with loose
vasculature and, thus,
high concentration of the encapsulated drug at the targeted site |
| Targeted niosomes/surface decoration with ligands,
aptamers,
antibodies, and other targeting moieties |
Overexpression
of various receptors (folate, transferring,
etc.) in a wide range of tumor cells |
Active targeting
by ligand–receptor interaction once
the niosomes reached the target site via the systemic circulation |
| Smart or stimuli-sensitive niosomes/membrane modification
with
additives that undergo structural changes in response of change in
internal or external stimuli |
Differences in the pH,
enzyme composition, temperature in tumors,
or inflamed tissues as compared to normal tissues. External stimuli
such as magnetic field, temperature, and ultrasound |
Triggered drug release at the target site, thus decreasing
exposure to normal cells |
