Cross-linked lignin/agarose hydrogels coated with iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for in vitro hyperthermia cancer therapy

Magnetic hydrogel nanobiocomposites with new biomimetic features have emerged as a new generation of biocompatible structures in biomedical approaches, especially cancer therapy. In this regard, a novel nanobiocomposite is designed and synthesized based on the formation of cross-linked lignin/agarose hydrogel substrate and its functionalization with Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticles. The physical and chemical features of magnetic cross-linked lignin/agarose nanobiocomposite were characterized using FT-IR, EDX, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM analyses and the swelling ratio and sol–gel fraction tests. Given the in vitro cytotoxicity assay and applying the highest concentration (1000 μg/mL) of this new nanobiocomposite, the cell viability percentage of Hu02 cell line was calculated 91.05% after 72 h. Furthermore, the potential of this biocompatible and magnetic responsive nanostructure was assessed for magnetic hyperthermia application. Among different concentrations (1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL), the maximum amount of specific absorption rate (63.11 W/g) was determined by the lowest concentration of nanobiocomposite (l mg/mL). Therefore, it can be mentioned that this biocompatible nanobiocomposite can be considered as a suitable platform for magnetic fluid hyperthermia and cancer treatment.Graphical abstractMagnetic lignin/agarose hydrogel as a novel nanobiocomposite for hyperthermia application.