Sophoraflavanone G in Nano-Niosomal Form: Implications for Bacterial Inhibition, Biofilm Disruption, and Cancer Suppression

Background: Sophoraflavanone G, SG, is a flavonoid compound found in Sophora species with various biological properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antibio-film activities. However, this compound shows limited solubility in water, which reduces its bioavailability and hinders its practical application. To overcome this barrier, SG nano-niosomal form was prepared. Methods: In the current study, a nano-niosomal form of SG was prepared using cholesterol (Chol) and Tween 20. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed by disc and well diffusion and biofilm assays, respectively, while anticancer specificity was evaluated by MTT on KB and L929 cell lines. Results: Disc and well diffusion assays showed a reduction in planktonic antibacterial activity of niosomal SG compared with free SG, whereas biofilm assays improved anti-biofilm effects; MTT assays indicated reduced cytotoxicity toward L929 cells with retained activity against KB cancer cells, suggesting improved anticancer specificity. Conclusion: While niosomal formulation decreased SG's activity against planktonic bacteria, it enhanced antibiofilm effects and improved anticancer specificity by reducing toxicity to normal cells, making niosomal SG a promising candidate for cancer-directed therapeutic applications despite limited antimicrobial gains.