Green Synthesized Magneto‐Responsive Ferrogel Microbeads as an Effective Anticancer Drug Delivery System

ABSTRACT Nanotechnology‐based platforms offer promising opportunities for controlled and sustainable cancer drug delivery systems. In this study, we report green synthesis of Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using extracts from Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis leaves and flowers, respectively. Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) microparticles were prepared and ferrogel alginate microbeads were fabricated using sodium alginate. Porosity was introduced into these beads through CaCO 3 templating. The formation of the Fe 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles and ferrogel microbeads were confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier‐Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The microbeads were evaluated for cytotoxic potential in IMR32 neuroblastoma cells, with or without magnetic field. Magnetic stimulation enhanced cytotoxicity in both types of beads compared to non‐stimulated. To improve therapeutic efficacy, clotrimazole was encapsulated in porous beads. Drug loading and release studies confirmed successful encapsulation, while FTIR and XRD verified structural integrity. Cytotoxic assays showed that clotrimazole‐loaded microbeads containing flower‐derived Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited stronger cytotoxic effects than leaf‐derived Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Overall, this study provides a sustainable, plant‐based strategy for nanoparticle synthesis and demonstrates its potential in magnetically responsive anticancer therapeutics.