MULTISCALE POLYMERIC ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS LOADED WITH BIOGENIC SYNTHESIZED CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM CHONDRACANTHUS EXASPERATUS EXTRACT AGAINST COLON AND BREAST CANCER CELLS

Abstract

This study presents the sustainable development of starch/PVA electrospun nanoscaffolds loaded with biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized using Chondracanthus exasperatus (red marine macroalgae) extract via an ultrasonic-assisted green method. The physicochemical properties of the nanoscaffolds were systematically characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV-Vis analysis confirmed CuO NP formation with a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 305 nm, while FTIR revealed stable interactions between CuO NPs and the polymer matrix. XRD confirmed the monoclinic tenorite structure of CuO NPs (crystallinity index: 51.1%), with scaffold incorporation reducing crystallinity to 20.2%. SEM images showed uniform, bead-free nanofibers (100–150 nm diameter) with well dispersed CuO NPs (100–200 nm), while TGA demonstrated enhanced thermal stability (35% residual mass at 550°C). Zeta potential measurements (−22.28 mV) indicated excellent colloidal stability. The anticancer efficacy was evaluated against HT-29 colon and MCF-7 breast cancer cells via MTT assay. The nanoscaffolds exhibited superior cytotoxicity, with IC₅₀ values of 12.5 µg/mL (HT-29) and 25 µg/mL (MCF-7), outperforming standalone CuO NPs (IC₅₀: 25 µg/mL) and algal extract (IC₅₀: 50 µg/mL). Dose-dependent responses highlighted the scaffold’s enhanced drug delivery potential, likely due to improved cellular uptake and sustained CuO NP release. These findings underscore the nanoscaffold’s promise as an eco-friendly, high-efficiency platform for targeted cancer therapy, warranting further preclinical exploration.