ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF MULTISCALE POLYMERIC NANOSCAFFOLDS LOADED WITH GREEN SYNTHESIZED CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM POCOCKIELLA VARIEGATA EXTRACT

Abstract

This study developed a green-synthesized copper oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs)-loaded starch/PVA nanoscaffold system with enhanced antimicrobial properties. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in Pocockiella variegata algal extract (peak at 267 nm) and revealed an atypical surface plasmon resonance for CuO NPs at 292 nm, suggesting unique NP characteristics. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses verified successful CuO NP formation and their stable integration into nanoscaffolds through hydrogen bonding and structural interactions. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed uniformly distributed CuO NPs within porous, bead-free nanofibers, while Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated improved thermal stability (degradation onset at 262.78°C vs. <250°C for pure scaffold). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated moderate colloidal stability (zeta potential: -10.03 mV), highlighting the need for surface optimization. Antimicrobial assays revealed superior activity of CuO NPs-loaded scaffolds, with inhibition zones of 30±0.16 mm (E. coli), 28±0.18 mm (K. pneumoniae), and 25±0.35 mm (Penicillium), outperforming standalone CuO NPs and algal extract. These results demonstrate the scaffold’s potential for biomedical applications, particularly in combating drug-resistant pathogens. Future studies should focus on enhancing NP dispersion and long-term stability for clinical translation.