PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF STARCH/PVA/CUO NPS ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS FROM TURBINARIA ORNATA (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT

Abstract

Background: This study explores the physicochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory potential of starch/polyvinyl alcohol/copper oxide nanoparticle (starch/PVA/CuO-NPs) nanoscaffolds synthesized using Turbinaria ornata marine macroalgae extract. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful biosynthesis of CuO NPs, exhibiting a characteristic absorption peak at 200 nm, while the algal extract displayed a broad peak at 346 nm, indicative of bioactive phytoconstituents. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed functional groups corresponding to Cu–O bonds (601 cm⁻¹) and polymer matrix interactions (3284 cm⁻¹, O–H/N–H stretches). X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated uniform nanofiber morphology (150–300 nm) with well-dispersed NPs. Thermal stability was enhanced in nanoscaffolds, as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), with degradation onset at 244.81°C. Dynamic light scattering indicated an average NP size of 92.8 nm, though zeta potential (-5.29 mV) suggested moderate colloidal stability. Anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and xanthine oxidase activity. At 100 µg/mL, nanoscaffolds exhibited the highest inhibition (79.21% for protein denaturation; 77.81% for xanthine oxidase), outperforming CuO NPs and algal extract, likely due to synergistic effects. These findings highlight the nanoscaffolds' superior anti-inflammatory efficacy, positioning them as promising candidates for biomedical applications. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate their therapeutic potential.