Proniosomes are anhydrous, non-ionic surfactant precursors that rehydrate into bilayered niosomes, addressing long-standing challenges in systemic cancer drug delivery. We systematically reviewed oncology-targeted proniosome publications, comparing drug loading, stability, release, and pharmacokinetics with liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and solid-lipid nanoparticles. We assessed design determinants (surfactant composition, cholesterol ratio, charge inducers), surface modifications (PEGylation, ligand conjugation, pH- or thermoresponsive groups), and conducted a SWOT analysis. Proniosomes demonstrated high physicochemical stability, robust encapsulation, and controlled release, supporting hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and macromolecular payloads. Self-assembly and vesicle characteristics were controlled by surfactant/cholesterol/charge composition. Surface modification prolonged circulation halflife, augmented tumour accumulation and intracellular delivery, and minimized off-targeting and immunogenicity. Functional developments allowed systemic delivery of chemotherapeutics and biologics, co-delivery with nucleic acids (siRNA, CRISPR-Cas9), and theranostic integration with imaging agents. Compared with peer platforms, proniosomes equalled or surpassed drug loading, stability, and systemic bioavailability, and the dry format minimized manufacturing and scale-up. Modularity of the platform facilitates targeted, multi-functional regimens and individualized dosing, providing a pragmatic path to precision oncology. Issues remaining are regulatory routes, batch reproducibility, and industrial scale-up.

Furosemide, a diuretic for managing edema in premature neonates and infants with congestive heart failure, is often formulated with alcohol and preservatives, posing risks like neurotoxicity and cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to develop a safe, alcohol-and preservative-free micellar liquid formulation of furosemide for pediatric use. Drug-loaded micelles were prepared using Kolliphor RH 40 (polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil) as a surfactant and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin as a solubiliser and characterized for size, morphology, zeta potential, polydispersity, critical micelle concentration, stability, and microbiological quality. Of the twelve formulations, F11 and F12 were selected for their visual clarity and physical properties. The optimised batch (F11) formed nanosized micelles (19.16 ± 0.06 nm) with uniform distribution (PDI 0.292 ± 0.02) and steric stabilisation (zeta potential −0.43 ± 0.01 mV). Entrapment efficiency exceeded 98 %, and transmittance was >97 %, confirming high clarity. The formulation remained stable in SGF and SIF for 12 h with >99 % assay retention and complies with the stability protocol. The data obtained from stability studies indicate the physical, pharmaceutical, and microbial stability of the developed formulation. This alcohol- and preservative-free micellar formulation may offer a safe and effective treatment option for paediatric populations.