GREEN FABRICATION OF STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS LOADED WITH BIOGENIC SYNTHESIZED CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM TURBINARIA CONOIDES (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT: PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIDIABETIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study presents a green approach for fabricating starch/PVA electrospun nanoscaffolds embedded with biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized using Turbinaria conoides marine macroalgae extract. Ultrasonication-assisted extraction optimized the recovery of bioactive compounds, which facilitated the eco-friendly reduction of copper sulfate into CuO NPs. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, confirming their crystalline monoclinic structure and functionalization with algal phytoconstituents. Electrospinning of starch/PVA solutions containing CuO NPs produced uniform nanofibrous mats with enhanced thermal stability, as evidenced by TGA. The composite scaffolds exhibited improved mechanical properties and sustained nanoparticle dispersion, making them suitable for biomedical applications. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated through in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, demonstrating significant enzyme suppression in a dose-dependent manner. The CuO NP-loaded scaffolds showed comparable efficacy to the standard drug acarbose, with IC50 values indicating potent inhibitory effects. These results highlight the dual functionality of the developed nanoscaffolds—acting as a structural biomaterial while delivering therapeutic benefits for diabetes management. The study underscores the potential of marine algae mediated nanotechnology in developing sustainable, multifunctional biomaterials for diabetic wound care and controlled drug delivery systems. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate their clinical applicability.