A new nano approach to prevent tumor growth in the local treatment of glioblastoma: Temozolomide and rutin-loaded hybrid layered composite nanofiber

Total resection of glioblastoma (GB) tumors is nearly impossible, and systemic administration of temozolomide (TMZ) is often inadequate. This study presents a hybrid layered composite nanofiber mesh (LHN) designed for localized treatment in GB tumor bed. The LHN, consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and core-shell polylactic acid layers, was loaded with TMZ and rutin. <i>In vitro</i> analysis revealed that LHN^TMZ and LHN^rutin decelerated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and growth of stem-like cells, while the combination, LHN^TMZ ^+rutin, significantly reduced sphere size compared to untreated and LHN^TMZ-treated cells (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). In an orthotopic C6-induced GB rat model, LHN^TMZ ^+rutin therapy demonstrated a more pronounced tumor-reducing effect than LHN^TMZ alone. Tumor volume, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly reduced in LHN^TMZ ^+rutin-treated rats compared to untreated controls. Structural changes in tumor mitochondria, reduced membrane potential, and decreased PARP expression indicated the activation of apoptotic pathways in tumor cells, which was further confirmed by a reduction in PHH3, indicating decreased mitotic activity of tumor cells. Additionally, the local application of LHNs in the GB model mitigated aggressive tumor features without causing local tissue inflammation or adverse systemic effects. This was evidenced by a decrease in the angiogenesis marker CD31, the absence of inflammation or necrosis in H&E staining of the cerebellum, increased production of IFN-γ, decreased levels of interleukin-4 in splenic T cells, and lower serum AST levels. Our findings collectively indicate that LHN^TMZ ^+rutin is a promising biocompatible model for the local treatment of GB.