Abstract

Background: Non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles (niosomes) as coherent and selforganization capability structures form organized core/shell nanostructures.

Objective: In this academic research, Ni/NiAl₂O₄ core/shell nanostructures were successfully synthesized with the ultrasound-assisted direct micelle (UADM) method and these structures were used as a delivery system for minoxidil drugs.

Methods: The synthesis conditions for producing Ni/NiAl₂O₄ core/shell structures were optimized using a design of experiments (DOE) approach. Process control was systematically examined through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology (RSM). The Ni/NiAl₂O₄, core/shell nanostructures, underwent characterization using various techniques such as SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), AFM (atomic force microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), BET analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The in vitro release of minoxidil from the Ni/NiAl₂O₄ core/shell nanostructures was studied using UV-vis spectroscopy at a wavelength of 486 nm.

Results: Results indicated an encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of around 74% after 150 minutes. Furthermore, the loading efficiency of minoxidil in niosomes modified with Ni/NiAl₂O₄ core/shell nanostructures was calculated to be approximately 99.83% at 486 nm.

Conclusion: Overall, this research lays a foundational framework for developing innovative nanomaterials with tailored properties for advanced delivery systems and other novel applications.

Keywords: Ni/NiAl₂O₄ core/shell nanostructures, minoxidil, efficient drug delivery, niosomes, design of experiments, transmission electron microscopy.