In vitro Characterization and Release Studies of Combined Nonionic Surfactant-Based Vesicles for the Prolonged Delivery of an Immunosuppressant Model Drug

Co-delivery of artemisinin and metformin via PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles: potential anti-cancer effect in treatment of lung cancer cells

PURPOSE

Despite the advances in treatment, lung cancer is a global concern and necessitates the development of new treatments. Biguanides like metformin (MET) and artemisinin (ART) have recently been discovered to have anti-cancer properties. As a consequence, in the current study, the anti-cancer effect of MET and ART co-encapsulated in niosomal nanoparticles on lung cancer cells was examined to establish an innovative therapy technique.

METHODS

Niosomal nanoparticles (Nio-NPs) were synthesized by thin-film hydration method, and their physicochemical properties were assessed by FTIR. The morphology of Nio-NPs was evaluated with FE-SEM and AFM. The MTT assay was applied to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of free MET, free ART, their encapsulated form with Nio-NPs, as well as their combination, on A549 cells. Apoptosis assay was utilized to detect the biological processes involved with programmed cell death. The arrest of cell cycle in response to drugs was assessed using a cell cycle assay. Following a 48-h drug treatment, the expression level of hTERT, Cyclin D1, BAX, BCL-2, Caspase 3, and 7 genes were assessed using the qRT-PCR method.

RESULTS

Both MET and ART reduced the survival rate of lung cancer cells in the dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values of pure ART and MET were 195.2 μM and 14.6 mM, respectively while in nano formulated form their IC50 values decreased to 56.7 μM and 78.3 μM, respectively. The combination of MET and ART synergistically decreased the proliferation of lung cancer cells, compared to the single treatments. Importantly, the combination of MET and ART had a higher anti-proliferative impact against A549 lung cancer cells, with lower IC50 values. According to the result of Real-time PCR, hTERT, Cyclin D1, BAX, BCL-2, Caspase 3, and Caspase 7 genes expression were considerably altered in treated with combination of nano formulated MET and ART compared to single therapies.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the combination of MET and ART encapsulated in Nio-NPs could be useful for the treatment of lung cancer and can increase the efficiency of lung cancer treatment.

Co-encapsulation of curcumin and anthocyanins in bovine serum album-fucoidan nanocomplex with a two-step pH-driven method

BACKGROUND

Curcumin (CUR) and anthocyanins (ACN) are recommended due to their bioactivities. However, their nutritional values and health benefits are limited by their low oral bioavailability. The incorporation of bioactive substances into polysaccharide-protein composite nanoparticles is an effective way to enhance their bioavailability. Accordingly, this study explored the fabrication of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-fucoidan (FUC) hybrid nanoparticles using a two-step pH-driven method for the delivery of CUR and ACN.

RESULTS

Under a 1:1 weight ratio of BSA to FUC, the point of zero charge moved from pH ⁓ 4.7 for BSA to around 2.5 for FUC-coated BSA, and the formation of BSA-FUC nanocomplex was pH-dependent by showing the maximum CUR emission wavelength shifting from 546 nm (CUR-loaded BSA-FUC at pH 4.7) and 544 nm (CUR/ACN-loaded BSA-FUC nanoparticles at pH 4.7) to 540 nm (CUR-loaded BSA-FUC at pH 6.0) and 539 nm (CUR/ACN-loaded BSA-FUC nanoparticles at pH 6.0). Elevated concentrations of NaCl from 0 to 2.5 mol L-1 caused particle size increase from about 250 to about 800 nm, but showing no effect on the encapsulation efficiency of CUR. The CUR and ACN entrapped, respectively, in the inner and outer regions of the BSA-FUC nanocomplex were released at different rates. After incubation for 10 h, more than 80% of ACN was released, while less than 25% of CUR diffused into the receiving medium, which fitted well to Logistic and Weibull models.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the BSA-FUC nanocomposites produced by a two-step pH-driven method could be used for the co-delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nutraceuticals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigating the self-assembling of nicotinic hydrazide-based amphiphile into nano-range vesicles and its amphotericin B loading applications

Most of the drugs are hydrophobic and have low water solubility, therefore posing issues in their absorption and bioavailability. Nonionic surfactants improve the solubility of hydrophobic drugs by entrapping them in their lipid bilayers. Two nonionic surfactants NODNH-16 and NODNH-18 are synthesized and characterized using different techniques i.e. EI-MS, ¹H NMR, and FTIR. These newly synthesized surfactants were screened for blood hemolysis assay and cell toxicity studies using the NIH/3T3 cell line to assess their biocompatibility. Then amphotericin B was loaded into niosomal vesicles, and the drug entrapment efficiency of these surfactants was measured using UV-visible spectroscopy. The morphology of drug-loaded niosomes of synthesized surfactants was investigated using AFM, and their size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were measured with the Zetasizer instrument. Finally, a simulation study was performed to determine the pattern of self-assembly of the synthesized amphiphiles. Both synthesized nonionic surfactants showed good entrapment efficiency of 60.65 ± 2.12% and 68.45 ± 2.12%, respectively. It was also confirmed that both these synthesized nonionic surfactants were safe and biocompatible and showed less blood hemolysis (i.e. 21.13 ± 2.11% and 23.32 ± 2.45%) and higher 3T3 cells' viability at 150 µg/mL concentration as compared to Tween®-80. The antifungal potential of amphotericin B-loaded niosomes has been evaluated against unicellular multi-fungal species, which showed a promising potential for fungicidal activity. These results are substantiated by constructing a safe vehicle system for drug delivery.

Current advances in niosomes applications for drug delivery and cancer treatment

The advent of nanotechnology has led to an increased interest in nanocarriers as a drug delivery system that is efficient and safe. There have been many studies addressing nano-scale vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosome is a newer generation of vesicular nanocarriers. The niosomes provide a multilamellar carrier for lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive substances in the self-assembled vesicle, which are composed of non-ionic surfactants in conjunction with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. These non-ionic surfactant vesicles, simply known as niosomes, can be utilized in a wide variety of technological applications. As an alternative to liposomes, niosomes are considered more chemically and physically stable. The methods for preparing niosomes are more economic. Many reports have discussed niosomes in terms of their physicochemical properties and applications as drug delivery systems. As drug carriers, nano-sized niosomes expand the horizons of pharmacokinetics, decreasing toxicity, enhancing drug solvability and bioavailability. In this review, we review the components and fabrication methods of niosomes, as well as their functionalization, characterization, administration routes, and applications in cancer gene delivery, and natural product delivery. We also discuss the limitations and challenges in the development of niosomes, and provide the future perspective of niosomes.

Development of trisiloxane surfactant vesicles ultrasonic extraction method combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the rapid differentiation of Bupleuri Radix based on metabolomics

INTRODUCTION

Due to the variety, chemical composition and complex structure, the quality control of Bupleuri Radix (BR) is a challenging task. There are still many trace compounds in BR that are difficult to extract and detect.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an innovative method of trisiloxane surfactant vesicles ultrasonic extraction (TSVUE) combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the identification from Bupleurum chinense DC. (BC) to Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd (BS) based on metabolomics.

METHODS

Based on extraction effect for BR, five different types of surfactants vesicles were prepared and compared. Then, a single-factor test and a response surface methodology study were adopted to obtain the optimal conditions for the surfactant vesicles ultrasonic extraction method. Finally, a non-targeted metabolomics method with information dependent acquisition mode was performed to analyse differential metabolites in BC and BS.

RESULTS

Sugar-based surfactant containing trisiloxane [N-3-propyl-methyltrisiloxane-N-glucoheptonamne (Si(3)N-GHA)] displayed higher extraction efficiency compared to other types of surfactants when it comes to being used in pretreatment methods. And a TSVUE method was established and optimised. In total, 131 constituents were identified in two BR herbs, of which 35 were unreported, and 11 were characterised as chemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This method provides promising perspectives for rapidly identifying trace compounds in complex systems of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as well as for laying the foundation in the identification of similar herbs from the same species. Meanwhile, these findings serve as a promising application of trisiloxane surfactant vesicles in the extraction field of TCM.

Chitosan-Coated Niosomes Loaded with Ellagic Acid Present Antiaging Activity in a Skin Cell Line

The polyphenol compound ellagic acid (EA) extracted from pomegranate has potential bioactivity against different types of chronic diseases. Skin aging is a long-term physiological process caused by many environmental factors, the most important of which is exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV-induced chronic photodamage of the skin results in extrinsic aging. This study aimed to evaluate the photoprotective effects of EA on the human fibroblast skin cell line HFB4 and investigate its capacity to protect collagen from UV-induced deterioration. EA was encapsulated into chitosan-coated niosomes to reduce the skin aging effect of UV radiation in vitro. The tested formulations (niosomes loaded with EA and chitosan-coated niosomes loaded with EA) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the in vitro release of EA was determined. The HFB4 cell line samples were split into five groups: control, UV, UV-EA, UV-NIO-EA, and UV-CS-NIO-EA. UV irradiation was applied to the cell line groups via a UV-emitting lamp for 1 h, and then cell viability was measured for each group. The expression of genes implicated in skin aging (Co1A1, TERT, Timp3, and MMP3) was also assessed to quantify the impact of the loaded EA. The findings showed that EA-loaded chitosan-coated niosomes improved cell survival, upregulated Col1A1, TERT, and Timp3 genes, and downregulated MMP3. Thus, nanoparticles encapsulating EA are potent antioxidants that can preserve collagen levels and slow down the aging process in human skin.

Effective loading of incompatible drugs into nanosized vesicles: a strategy to allow concurrent administration of furosemide and midazolam in simulated clinical settings

The current study aims to assess the use of nanocarriers to limit drug incompatibilities in clinical settings, and thus eliminating serious clinical consequences (e.g., catheter obstruction and embolism), and enhancing in vivo bioavailability and efficacy. As a proof-of-concept, the impact of loading well-documented physically incompatible drugs (i.e., furosemide and midazolam) into nanosized vesicles on in vitro stability and in vivo bioavailability of the two drugs was investigated. Furosemide and midazolam were loaded into nanosized spherical vesicles at high entrapment efficiency (ca. 62-69%). The drug-loaded vesicles demonstrated a sustained drug release patterns, high physical stability and negligible hemolytic activity. Physical incompatibility was assessed by exploiting microscopic technique coupled with image processing and analysis, dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler anemometry. Incorporation of drugs separately inside the nanosized vesicles dramatically decreased size and number of the precipitated particles. In vivo, the niosomal drug mixture demonstrated a significant improvement in pharmacokinetic profiles of furosemide and midazolam compared to the mixed free drug solutions, as evidenced by their longer circulation half-lives and higher area under the plasma-concentration time curves of both drugs. Nanocarriers could provide an auspicious strategy for circumventing drug incompatibilities, thus reducing adverse reactions, hospitalization period and improving therapeutic outcomes.

Chitosan -based nanoniosome for potential wound healing applications: Synergy of controlled drug release and antibacterial activity

This study aims to develop a niosomal platform which can delivery drugs such as tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) to treat bacterial infections in wounds. To this end, chitosan (CS) was used to obtain a controlled drug release and at the same time antibacterial activity. By design of experiments the niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio) were optimized for their particle size and encapsulation efficiency, followed by analysis of the release profile of TCH and stability of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of the fabricated nanoparticles were investigated as well. The release rate of TCH from TCH-Nio@CS in all conditions is less than TCH-Nio. In addition, higher temperature increases the release rate of drug from these formulations. The size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficacy of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were more stable in 4 °C compared to 25 °C. TCH, TCH-Nio, and TCH-Nio@CS had MIC values of 7.82, 3.91, and 1.95 μg/mL for Escherichia coli, 3.91, 1.95, and 0.98 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 1.96, 0.98, and 0.49 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Coating of chitosan on niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio@CS) led to a reduced burst release of TCH from niosome (TCH-Nio), and enabled 2-fold higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against the tested bacterial pathogens E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, compared to the uncoated TCH-Nio, and 4-folder higher than the TCH solution, suggesting the synergetic effect of niosome encapsulation and chitosan coating. Moreover, the formulated niosomes displayed no in vitro toxicity toward the human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF). Both TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were found to down-regulate the expression of certain biofilm genes, i.e., csgA, ndvB, and icaA in the tested bacteria, which might partially explain the improved antibacterial activity compared to TCH. The obtained results demonstrated that TCH-Nio@CS is capable of controlled drug release, leading to high antibacterial efficacy. The established platform of TCH-Nio@CS enlighten a clinic potential toward the treatment of bacterial infections in skin wounds, dental implants and urinary catheter.

Application of Box-Behnken Design in the Preparation, Optimization, and In-Vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Oral Tadalafil-Loaded Niosomal Film

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects about 90% of men whose ages are over 65. Tadalafil, a selective PDE-5 inhibitor, was approved by FDA for BPH, however, its poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability are considered major drawbacks. This work intended to develop and evaluate oral fast dissolving film containing tadalafil-loaded niosomes for those who cannot receive the oral dosage form. Niosomes were statistically optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design and loaded into a polymeric oral film. Niosomes were assessed for their vesicular size, uniformity, and zeta potential. The thickness, content uniformity, folding endurance, tensile strength, disintegration time, and surface morphology were evaluated for the prepared polymeric film. The optimized niosomes revealed high entrapment efficiency (99.78 ± 2.132%) and the film was smooth with good flexibility and convenient thickness (110 ± 10 µm). A fast release of tadalafil was achieved within 5 min significantly faster than the niosomes-free drug film. The in-vivo bioavailability in rats established that the optimized niosomal film enhanced tadalafil systemic absorption, with higher peak concentration (C_max = 0.63 ± 0.03 µg/mL), shorter T_max value (0.66-fold), and relative bioavailability of 118.4% compared to the marketed tablet. These results propose that the oral film of tadalafil-loaded niosomes is a suitable therapeutic application that can be passed with ease to geriatric patients who suffer from BPH.

Formulation of tizanidine hydrochloride-loaded provesicular system for improved oral delivery and therapeutic activity employing a 23 full factorial design

Tizanidine hydrochloride (TZN) is one of the most effective centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants. The objective of this study is to prepare TZN-loaded proniosomes (TZN-PN) aiming at enhanced oral delivery and therapeutic activity. TZN-PN were prepared by coacervation phase separation method. The developed vesicles were characterized via entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), vesicular size (VS), and zeta potential (ZP). A 2³ full factorial design was employed to attain an optimized TZN-PN formulation. The optimized TZN-PN were further characterized via in vitro release study and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vivo rotarod test was employed for determination of the muscle relaxant activities of rats and levels of GABA and EAAT2 were detected. The developed TZN-PN exhibited relatively high EE% (75.78-85.45%), a VS ranging between (348-559 nm), and a ZP (-26.47 to -59.64). In vitro release profiles revealed sustained release of TZN from the optimized TZN-PN, compared to free drug up to 24 h. In vivo rotarod study revealed that the elevation in coordination was in the following order: normal control < free TZN < market product < TZN-PN (F6). Moreover, the optimized TZN-PN exhibited significant elevated coordination activity by 39% and 26% compared to control group and market product group, respectively. This was accompanied with an elevation in both GABA and EAAT2 serum levels. Thus, it could be concluded that encapsulation of TZN in the provesicular nanosystem proniosomes has enhanced the anti-nociceptive effect of the drug and consequently its therapeutic activity.

Niosomes-loaded selenium nanoparticles as a new approach for enhanced antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities

Targeted drug delivery and increasing the biological activity of drugs is one of the recent challenges of pharmaceutical researchers. Niosomes are one of the new targeted drug delivery systems that enhances the biological properties of drugs. In this study, for the first time, the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and its loading into niosome was carried out to increase the anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity of SeNPs. Different formulations of noisome-loaded SeNPs were prepared, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared niosomes were investigated. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of synthesized niosomes loaded SeNPs and free SeNPs against standard pathogenic bacterial strains were studied, and also its anticancer activity was investigated against breast cancer cell lines. The expression level of apoptotic genes in breast cancer cell lines treated with niosome-loaded SeNPs and free SeNPs was measured. Also, to evaluate the biocompatibility of the synthesized niosomes, their cytotoxicity effects against the human foreskin fibroblasts normal cell line (HFF) were studied using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The results illustrated that the optimal formulation had an average size of 177.9 nm, a spherical shape, and an encapsulation efficiency of 37.58%. Also, the results revealed that the release rate of SeNPs from niosome-loaded SeNPs and free SeNPs was 61.26% and 100%, respectively, in 72 h. Also, our findings demonstrated that the niosome-loaded SeNPs have significant antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer effects compared to the free SeNPs. In addition, niosome-loaded SeNPs can upregulate the expression level of Bax, cas3, and cas9 apoptosis genes while the expression of the Bcl2 gene is down-regulated in all studied cell lines, significantly. Also, the results of the MTT test indicated that the free niosome has no significant cytotoxic effects against the HFF cell line which represents the biocompatibility of the synthesized niosomes. In general, based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that niosomes-loaded SeNPs have significant anti-microbial, anti-biofilm, and anti-cancer effects, which can be used as a suitable drug delivery system.

Bilosomes as Nanoplatform for Oral Delivery and Modulated In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity of Lycopene

Owing to the disseminating resistance among pathogenic bacteria, especially Klebsiella pneumoniae, there is a high need for alternate compounds with antibacterial activity. Herein, lycopene was isolated from Lycopersicon esculentum L. Molecular docking approach was employed to explore lycopene binding affinity to selected vital proteins of K. pneumoniae with the binding mechanisms being investigated. This proposed a promising antibacterial activity of lycopene. However, the pharmacological use of lycopene is hampered by its poor solubility and limited oral bioavailability. Accordingly, bilosomes were fabricated for oral lycopene delivery. The computed entrapment efficiency, mean vesicular size, and zeta potential values for the optimized formulation were 93.2 ± 0.6%, 485.8 ± 35.3 nm, and −38.3 ± 4, respectively. In vitro drug release studies revealed controlled lycopene release from constructed bilosomes, with the drug liberation being based on the Higuchi kinetics model. Transmission electron microscopic evaluation of bilosomes revealed spherical nanovesicles free from aggregates. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of lycopene and its constructed formulations against multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were explored. The optimized bilosomes exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 8 to 32 µg/mL. In addition, scanning electron microscopy revealed remarkable deformation and lysis of the bilosomes-treated bacterial cells. Regarding in vivo investigation, a lung infection model in mice was employed. The tested bilosomes reduced the inflammation and congestion in the treated mice’s lung tissues, resulting in normal-sized bronchioles and alveoli with very few congested vessels. In addition, it resulted in a significant reduction in pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, this study investigated the potential activity of the naturally isolated lycopene in controlling infections triggered by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates. Furthermore, it introduced bilosomes as a promising biocompatible nanocarrier for modulation of oral lycopene delivery and in vivo antimicrobial activity.

Carnosic Acid Encapsulated in Albumin Nanoparticles Induces Apoptosis in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cells

Carnosic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic compound with several biomedical actions. This work was performed to study the use of CA-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to improve the antitumor activity of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and colon cancer cells (Caco-2). CA was encapsulated in bovine serum albumin (BSA), chitosan (CH), and cellulose (CL) nanoparticles. The CA-loaded BSA nanoparticles (CA-BSA-NPs) revealed the most promising formula as it showed good loading capacity and the best release rate profile as the drug reached 80% after 10 h. The physicochemical characterization of the CA-BSA-NPs and empty carrier (BSA-NPs) was performed by the particle size distribution analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential. The antitumor activity of the CA-BSA-NPs was evaluated by measuring cell viability, apoptosis rate, and gene expression of GCLC, COX-2, and BCL-2 in MCF-7 and Caco-2. The cytotoxicity assay (MTT) showed elevated antitumor activity of CA-BSA-NPs against MCF-7 and Caco-2 compared to free CA and BSA-NPs. Moreover, apoptosis test data showed an arrest of the Caco-2 cells at G2/M (10.84%) and the MCF-7 cells at G2/M (4.73%) in the CA-BSA-NPs treatment. RT-PCR-based gene expression analysis showed an upregulation of the GCLC gene and downregulation of the BCL-2 and COX-2 genes in cells treated with CA-BSA-NPs compared to untreated cells. In conclusion, CA-BSA-NPs has been introduced as a promising formula for treating breast and colorectal cancer.

Niosomal Nanocarriers for Enhanced Dermal Delivery of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Protection against Oxidative Stress of the Skin

Among green tea catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and has the highest biological activities. This study aims to develop and statistically optimise an EGCG-loaded niosomal system to overcome the cutaneous barriers and provide an antioxidant effect. EGCG-niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method and statistically optimised. The niosomes were characterised for size, zeta potential, morphology and entrapment efficiency. Ex vivo permeation and deposition studies were conducted using full-thickness human skin. Cell viability, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities after UVA-irradiation and cellular uptake were determined. The optimised niosomes were spherical and had a relatively uniform size of 235.4 ± 15.64 nm, with a zeta potential of −45.2 ± 0.03 mV and an EE of 53.05 ± 4.46%. The niosomes effectively prolonged drug release and demonstrated much greater skin penetration and deposition than free EGCG. They also increased cell survival after UVA-irradiation, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased the antioxidant enzymes’ activities in human dermal fibroblasts (Fbs) compared to free EGCG. Finally, the uptake of niosomes was via energy-dependent endocytosis. The optimised niosomes have the potential to be used as a dermal carrier for antioxidants and other therapeutic compounds in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The Optimized Formulation of Tamoxifen-Loaded Niosomes Efficiently Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells

The aim, as proof of concept, was to optimize niosomal formulations of tamoxifen in terms of size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics for further treatment of the breast cancer (BC). Different assays were carried out to evaluate the pro-apoptotic and cytotoxicity impact of tamoxifen-loaded niosomes in two BC cells, MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3. In this study, tamoxifen was loaded in niosomes after optimization in the formulation. The formulation of niosomes supported maximized drug entrapment and minimized their size. The novel formulation showed improvement in storage stability, and after 60 days only, small changes in size, polydispersity index, and drug entrapment were observed. Besides, a pH-dependent release pattern of formulated niosomes displayed slow release at physiological pH (7.4) and a considerable increase of release at acidic pH (5.4), making them a promising candidate for drug delivery in the BC treatment. The cytotoxicity study exhibited high biocompatibility with MCF10A healthy cells, while remarkable inhibitory effects were observed after treatment of cancerous lines, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 cells. The IC50 values for the tamoxifen-loaded niosomes were significantly less than other groups. Moreover, treatment with drug-loaded niosomes significantly changed the gene expression pattern of BC cells. Statistically significant down-regulation of cyclin D, cyclin E, VEGFR-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes and up-regulation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were observed. These results were in correlation with cell cycle arrest, lessoned migration capacity, and increased caspase activity and apoptosis induction in cancerous cells. Optimization in the formulation of tamoxifen-loaded niosomes can make them a novel candidate for drug delivery in BC treatment.