Gelatin hydrogel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde loaded with methylene blue for photodynamic action in gliosarcoma strain 9 L/lacZ

Since the prognosis and treatment of nervous system tumors are still not beneficial to the patient, alternative therapies need to be investigated as primary or supplemental treatments to current methods. Hydrogel systems are well-known for their high-water absorption capacity, three-dimensional network composition, and biocompatibility, making them suitable as photosensitizers (PS) carriers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A gelatin hydrogel system was synthesized via chemical cross-linking with varying glutaraldehyde concentrations, and the optimal hydrogel was encapsulated with methylene blue (MB). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the formulation formed three-dimensional networks. The freeze-drying procedure increases the hydrogel's water-retention capacity, as shown by the swelling test. All spectroscopic results showed excellent photophysical properties of MB when incorporated into the system. The encapsulation efficiency was 95.35%. According to the trypan blue exclusion test, the cell viability in the PDT-treated groups was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Approximately 95% of 9 L/lacZ cells died after PDT utilizing a concentration of 50 μmol.mL^-1 for the hydrogel with MB. Based on the data obtained, the system's viability has been confirmed, and it is expected to demonstrate potential in the treatment of neoplasms.