Assembly of niosomal nanodelivery system for iron: introducing a green-hybrid method to enhance encapsulation efficiency

This study utilized a highly food-compatible heating technique to encapsulate iron within a niosomal structure. The characteristics of niosomal solution of ferrous sulfate, including encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, bioavailability, and viscosity were measured with meticulous attention to detail. The storage stability, in vitro release of iron, and the morphology of the optimum sample were assessed with the same level of precision. The characteristics of freeze-dried niosomes containing iron, including FTIR, XRD, and DSC, were also evaluated. The optimum sample, a combination of Span 60 and Tween 60 without cholesterol, possessed a particle size of 147 nm, PDI = 0.31, zeta potential = − 27.4 mV, and viscosity = 1 mPa.s. The EE values of different iron-loaded niosomes were around 25%. However, the EE of various samples was successfully enhanced to an impressive 83% after double encapsulation in nanofibers. The findings of this research open a new horizon to future attempts to increase the EE value of niosomal system.