Stimuli-responsive “theranostic” nanocomposite hydrogels based on β-cyclodextrin containing Fe3O4 and Bi2O3 nanoparticles for targeted delivery of methotrexate

•pH-Responsive nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized based on β-CD.•The fabricated hydrogels represent acceptable drug loading efficiencies.•The cytocompatibility of the fabricated hydrogels were confirmed by MTT assay.•The DDSs exhibited “smart” and sustained drug release behavior.•The hydrogels are promising DDSs for MRI- and CT-guided chemoradiotherapy of cancer.