ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF STARCH/PVA/CUO-NPS ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS FOR ENHANCED CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study presents an environmentally sustainable synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) employing the macroalgae Pocockiella variegata extract under ultrasonic irradiation. The bioactive phytochemicals within the algal extract acted as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating the rapid and uniform formation of CuO-NPs. These nanoparticles were subsequently incorporated into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanoscaffolds through electrospinning, producing smooth, homogeneous fibers with significantly improved thermal stability and mechanical integrity. Antioxidant assessments demonstrated remarkable free-radical scavenging potential, with nanoscaffolds exhibiting 96% DPPH inhibition at 100 µg/mL—surpassing the performance of individual CuO-NPs (86%) and the algal extract (68%). Similarly, nitric oxide (82.82%) and superoxide anion (79.82%) assays confirmed broad-spectrum antioxidant efficacy comparable to ascorbic acid. This synergistic enhancement arises from the starch/PVA matrix, which promotes uniform CuO-NP distribution and efficient electron transfer. Cytotoxicity assays using 3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed excellent biocompatibility, validating the material’s therapeutic safety. Overall, the developed nanoscaffolds combine mechanical stability, strong antioxidant activity, and cytocompatibility, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications targeting oxidative stress-related disorders.