Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Alginate Nanogel Co-loaded with Gold Nanoparticles and Cisplatin on U87-MG Human Glioblastoma Cells

Background and Purpose: It has been well-known both gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cisplatin are potential radiosensitizers for radiotherapy of cancer. In this in vitro study, we investigated the chemoradiotherapeutic effects of alginate nanogel co-loaded with AuNPs and cisplatin (ACA) on U87-MG human glioblastoma cells. Methods: Based on the accomplished pilot studies, U87-MG cells were incubated with ACA and cisplatin at 10% inhibitory concentration (IC10) for 4h. Then, the cells were irradiated to different doses of 6MV X-rays (2 and 10 Gy). MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cell survival rate. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexinV–fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit. Results: The results showed that ACA at the concentration of 4 μg/ml (per cisplatin) and free cisplatin at concentration of 15 μg/ml have the same effects on U87-MG cells (survival rate: 90%). The combination of ACA with radiation resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability (survival rate: 30%). The flow cytometry assay also showed that such a combination therapy induces more apoptosis than necrosis. Conclusion: It may be concluded that co-delivery of AuNPs and cisplatin with a single nanoplatform like ACA nanocomplex enhances the therapeutic ratio of human glioblastoma radiation therapy.