Anticancer Potential of Fisetin Against Glioblastoma: In Vitro Evaluation, Radiostability Assessment, and Preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
• Fisetin, a flavonoid, shows anticancer potential but has poor solubility and stability.
• Current treatments for glioblastoma have limited efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize fisetin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (FIS-PLGA-NPs) for intravenous delivery.
• To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic potential of FIS-PLGA-NPs against glioblastoma cells.
• To assess the stability of fisetin after radiation exposure for sterilization.

Main Methods:

• Six FIS-PLGA nanoparticle formulations were prepared using emulsification-solvent evaporation.
• Physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, were evaluated.
• In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis assays.

Main Results:

• The optimal formulation (NP4) showed a particle size of ~330 nm, -7.2 mV zeta potential, and 0.25 PDI.
• High encapsulation efficiency (83.58%) and drug loading (13.93%) were achieved.
• FIS-PLGA-NPs demonstrated in vitro cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells, and fisetin remained stable after radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

• Radiosterilizable fisetin can be effectively combined with PLGA nanoencapsulation.
• This study provides a foundation for an injectable fisetin delivery system for glioblastoma.
• Further optimization, including surface modification, is needed to enhance colloidal stability and systemic performance.