PEG-modified Fe₂O₃ coated agarose hydrogel: A synthesized nanocomposite for regulated 5-fluorouracil delivery

An innovative pH-responsive nanocomposite, comprising agarose (AGA) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel and coated with ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), has been formulated to facilitate the precise administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) to breast cancer cells. By utilizing a double emulsion technique, the size of the nanocomposites was significantly reduced through the application of almond oil; the inclusion of span 80 further improved their uniformity. The physiochemical properties of the nanocomposite were thoroughly examined by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential tests. The verification of the uniform particle distribution was achieved by employing FE-SEM and VSM analyses. The average diameter of the particles was 223 nm, and their zeta potential was -47.6 mV. In addition, the nanocomposite exhibited a regulated release of 5-Fu at pH 5.4 and pH 7.4, as indicated by an in vitro drug release profile. PEG-AGA- Fe₂O₃@5-Fu exhibited biocompatibility, as indicated by the lack of deleterious effects observed in tumor cells. This revolutionary nanocomposite demonstrates exceptional promise for breast cancer treatment, underscoring its significance as a major advancement in the pursuit of novel nanotechnologies for cancer therapy.