SUSTAINABLE GREEN FABRICATION OF POLYEMRIC ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS LOADED WITH CUO NANOPARTICLES FOR ANTICANCER ACTIVITY ON HT-29 AND MCF-7 CELLS

Abstract

This study presents the green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using Turbinaria ornata extract and their integration into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based nanofibrous scaffolds for potential anticancer applications. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation through a sharp absorption band near 200 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed functional groups indicative of phytochemical capping and successful polymer embedding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO nanoparticles and their uniform dispersion within the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical nanoparticles and smooth, bead-free nanofibers with homogeneous nanoparticle distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated enhanced thermal stability due to nanoparticle incorporation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 92.8 nm and moderate colloidal stability. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated dose-dependent anticancer activity, with starch/PVA/CuO nanoscaffolds exhibiting the highest potency against HT-29 and MCF-7 cell lines. These findings highlight the potential of CuO-loaded nanofibers as effective biomaterials for cancer therapy.