ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS EMBEDDED WITH ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED, BIOGENIC SYNTHESIZED CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM TURBINARIA CONOIDES (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT

Abstract

This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanoscaffolds embedded with biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized using Turbinaria conoides seaweed extract via an ultrasonic-assisted method. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CuO NPs through a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 270–300 nm, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed stabilizing phytochemicals and successful integration into the polymer matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated uniform nanofiber morphology with well-dispersed nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated enhanced thermal stability in CuO-loaded scaffolds, while zeta potential analysis suggested moderate colloidal stability. Anti-inflammatory assays revealed concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and xanthine oxidase activity. At 100 µg/mL, the nanoscaffolds exhibited superior inhibition (78.25–79.86%) compared to standalone CuO NPs (69.86–71.25%) and algal extract (63.86–64.25%), highlighting synergistic effects from the nanocomposite structure. These findings underscore the potential of starch/PVA/CuO-NPs nanoscaffolds as advanced anti-inflammatory biomaterials, offering improved efficacy and stability for biomedical applications.