SUSTAINABLE FABRICATION OF POLYMERIC ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS EMBEDDED WITH GREEN SYNTHESIZED CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM ECTOCARPALES EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study reports the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using ultrasonic assisted Ectocarpales macroalgal extract and their incorporation into electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/starch nanoscaffolds for biomedical applications. The biosynthesized CuO NPs exhibited characteristic UV-Vis absorption (200 nm SPR peak), monoclinic crystallinity (XRD), and functional surface groups (FT-IR), while SEM confirmed their spherical morphology (50-200 nm) and uniform dispersion within nanofibers (70-90 nm diameter). The composite scaffolds demonstrated thermal stability up to 400°C (TGA), moderate colloidal stability (zeta potential: +14.03 mV), and enhanced bioactivity. Remarkably, nanoscaffolds showed superior antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀: 15 µg/mL vs. 45 µg/mL for extract alone) in DPPH assays and promoted 3T3-L1 cell viability (114% at 100 µg/mL). The synergistic effects between CuO NPs and the polymeric matrix resulted in a multifunctional material with optimal physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and radical scavenging potential, positioning it as a promising candidate for tissue engineering and wound healing applications.