ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF ULTRASOUND MEDIATED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CUO NANOPARTICLES USING ECTOCARPALES (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT AND THEIR INTEGRATION INTO STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS

Abstract

This study presents the green synthesis, characterization, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) derived from Ectocarpales extract and their incorporation into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanoscaffolds. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed the distinct optical features of both the algal extract and CuO NPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses verified the formation and structural integration of CuO NPs within the polymeric matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed uniform nanoparticle dispersion within nanofibers exhibiting desirable porosity, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated enhanced thermal stability. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements demonstrated moderate nanoparticle stability and positive surface charge. Anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated via protein denaturation and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays, showed concentration-dependent efficacy, with nanoscaffolds displaying superior inhibition compared to CuO NPs and algal extract alone. These findings highlight the potential of starch/PVA/CuO-NP nanoscaffolds as effective, eco-friendly anti-inflammatory agents suitable for biomedical applications such as wound healing and tissue regeneration.