Dual-responsive magnetic and pH-sensitive hydrogel beads for controlled cisplatin delivery in glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis due to its invasiveness and resistance to conventional therapies, necessitating advanced drug delivery systems to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. This study aims to develop and evaluate dual-responsive magnetic and pH-sensitive beads for controlled cisplatin delivery to glioblastoma cell lines, addressing challenges in targeted therapy. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized via a green co-precipitation method using clove extract as an alkalizing and stabilizing agent. These nanoparticles were incorporated into sodium alginate beads with cisplatin, cross-linked by Ca²⁺ ions. Beads were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and VSM. Swelling behavior, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release were assessed at pH 1.2 and 7.4, with and without a magnetic field. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay on T98, A172, and L929 cell lines. The beads exhibited pH-dependent swelling, with maximum absorption at pH 7.4. Drug release was significantly enhanced under a 100 Hz magnetic field, achieving 70.2% cisplatin release in 80 min for CisB-4 beads. MTT assays demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against T98 and A172 cells (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001), with minimal toxicity to normal L929 cells. These dual-responsive beads offer a promising platform for targeted cisplatin delivery in glioblastoma, with pH and magnetic field-mediated control, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity.