FABRICATION OF BIOCOMPATIBLE STARCH/PVA/CUO ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS FROM MARINE MACROALGAE (GRACILARIA CORTICATA) EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study reports the fabrication and evaluation of biocompatible electrospun nanoscaffolds composed of starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles synthesized via an ultrasonic assisted green method using Gracilaria corticata extract. UV–Vis analysis confirmed the formation of CuO NPs through surface plasmon resonance at 291 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) validated the successful integration and crystallinity of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed smooth, bead-free nanofibers with well-dispersed CuO NPs, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated improved thermal stability. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential studies showed moderate stability and nanoscale size distribution. The developed nanoscaffolds exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in protein denaturation and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays, outperforming both the algal extract and nanoparticles alone. These results highlight the synergistic effect of the polymer-nanoparticle composite and its potential for biomedical applications. The study underscores the value of marine-derived phytochemicals in the eco-friendly synthesis of functional nanomaterials for therapeutic use.