GREEN FABRICATION OF CUO-LOADED STARCH/PVA NANOSCAFFOLDS VIA RED MARINE ALGAL (CHONDRACANTHUS EXASPERATUS) EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study presents an eco-friendly approach for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Chondracanthus exasperatus marine algal extract and their incorporation into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanoscaffolds for biomedical applications. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction optimized phytochemical recovery, while green synthesis yielded stable, spherical CuO NPs with characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 305 nm. XRD confirmed monoclinic crystallinity, while FTIR revealed nanoparticle polymer interactions through Cu-O-PVA coordination. Electrospinning produced uniform, bead-free nanofibers with homogeneously dispersed CuO NPs, as evidenced by SEM. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced thermal stability (35% residual mass at 550°C) and colloidal stability (zeta potential: −22.28 mV). MTT assays demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility, while antioxidant activity assays revealed superior antioxidant activity compared to free CuO NPs and algal extract. These results highlight the synergistic effects of CuO NPs and biopolymers, positioning the nanoscaffolds as promising candidates for tissue engineering and oxidative stress management. The study advances sustainable nanomaterial design by integrating green synthesis with electrospinning for multifunctional biomedical platforms.