ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED GREEN FABRICATION OF CUO NANOPARTICLES INTEGRATED WITH STARCH/PVA NANOFIBROUS SCAFFOLDS FOR WOUND REPAIR APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This work presents a sustainable strategy for designing bioactive nanofibrous materials aimed at improving skin regeneration. Copper oxide nanoparticles were generated through an ultrasound-assisted process utilizing biomolecules derived from the marine alga Turbinaria ornata, eliminating the need for hazardous chemical reagents. These nanostructures were subsequently embedded within electrospun fibers composed of starch and polyvinyl alcohol to construct a hybrid scaffold with enhanced functional properties. Comprehensive physicochemical evaluation demonstrated the successful formation of CuO nanoparticles and their uniform incorporation within the fibrous matrix. Spectroscopic and diffraction analyses confirmed the structural integrity of both the nanoparticles and the polymer network, while microscopic observations revealed a continuous, porous architecture favorable for biological interactions. Thermal studies further indicated improved stability of the composite system following nanoparticle incorporation. The biological performance of the developed material was assessed using a keratinocyte-based scratch model. A marked improvement in cellular migration was observed in a concentration-dependent manner, with the composite scaffold exhibiting superior regenerative performance compared to individual components. At higher concentrations, the system facilitated near-complete wound closure, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting tissue repair. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating marine-derived bioactive agents with metal oxide nanostructures within an electrospun platform offers a promising route for developing advanced wound dressing materials with enhanced therapeutic functionality.