SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CUO NANOPARTICLES REINFORCED STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS SYNTHESIZED USING GRACILARIA CORTICATA EXTRACT FOR DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study explores the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Gracilaria corticata algal extract and their incorporation into starch/PVA nanoscaffolds for antidiabetic applications. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed CuO NP formation via a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 291 nm, while Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified bioactive functional groups acting as reducing and stabilizing agents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a monoclinic crystalline structure, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated uniform NP dispersion within the nanofibrous scaffold (90–150 nm diameter) without aggregation. thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated enhanced thermal stability due to CuO NP reinforcement, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed moderate colloidal stability (Z-average: 68.6 nm; zeta potential: −14.11 mV). The antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The starch/PVA/CuO-NP nanoscaffolds exhibited superior enzyme inhibition (77.72–79.52% at 100 µg/mL) compared to standalone CuO NPs (67.72%) and crude extract (49.72%), highlighting synergistic effects. The concentration-dependent activity suggests promising applications in diabetes management by delaying carbohydrate digestion. This work underscores the efficacy of biogenic CuO NPs and their composite scaffolds, leveraging eco-friendly synthesis and enhanced bioactivity. Further in vivo studies and IC₅₀ validation are recommended to advance therapeutic potential.