Development and Characterization of Caffeine-Loaded Niosome Hydrogel for Topical Delivery

The aim of present work is to development and characterization of caffeine-loaded niosomal hydrogel for topical delivery. The stratum corneum significantly limits the effectiveness of conventional topical drug delivery systems. Vesicular carriers such as niosomes have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance dermal penetration and provide sustained drug release. The present study focused on development and characterization of a caffeine-loaded niosomal hydrogel intended for its antioxidant, lipolytic, and skin stimulating properties. Niosomes were prepared using a ether injection technique with different ratios of Tween 80 and cholesterol and were subsequently incorporated into a Carbopol 934 hydrogel base. Comprehensive characterization was performed, including particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, FTIR compatibility studies, rheological assessment, spreadability, homogeneity, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release. Among the prepared formulations, batch CG4 demonstrated the highest entrapment efficiency (86.925 ± 0.165%) and was selected as the optimized system. The optimized niosomes exhibited a mean particle size of 448.1 nm and a zeta potential of -4.877 mV, indicating satisfactory vesicle stability. The corresponding niosomal hydrogel (NG1) showed desirable physicochemical properties, including pH 6.2 ± 0.58, viscosity 14235 ± 7.12 cps, excellent spreadability (17.963 ± 0.842 g·cm/sec), uniform consistency, and absence of grittiness, drug content (92.32 ±0.42). In-vitro release studies revealed a sustained release pattern of caffeine (81.9% over 12 hours), predominantly following first-order and Higuchi release kinetics. Overall, the development and characterization of caffeine-loaded niosomal hydrogel demonstrates strong potential as an effective topical delivery system for enhanced and sustained topical drug delivery.