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

(1) Background: Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a median survival time for patients treated with standard chemotherapy often of less than 1 year. Potential anticancer activity against glioblastoma is demonstrated by flavonoids, including fisetin (FIS). Although, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and chemical instability. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of fisetin's suitability for intravenous delivery by developing and characterizing FIS-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (FIS-PLGA-NPs) and assessing their in vitro cytotoxic potential against glioblastoma. (2) Methods: Six FIS-PLGA nanoparticle formulations were prepared via the emulsification-solvent evaporation method and evaluated for key physicochemical properties. The biological activity of fisetin was examined through cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays, and the most promising formulation was further assessed using an MTT assay in U-138 MG glioblastoma cells. In parallel, pure fisetin was exposed to ionizing radiation, including the standard sterilization dose of 25 kGy, to evaluate its structural stability and suitability for terminal sterilization approaches. (3) Results: The selected formulation (NP4) exhibited a mean particle size of approximately 330 nm, a zeta potential of -7.2 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.25, and high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of 83.58% and 13.93%, respectively. Despite its preliminary nature, this formulation retained cytotoxic activity in vitro. Moreover, pure fisetin maintained its structural and chemical integrity following radiation exposure, supporting the feasibility of radiation sterilization prior to nanoparticle incorporation. (4) Conclusions: These findings confirm the feasibility of combining radiosterilizable fisetin with PLGA-based nanoencapsulation and provide an initial foundation for the development of an injectable fisetin delivery system for glioblastoma treatment. Further optimization, particularly surface modification, will be required to enhance colloidal stability and systemic performance.