ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF SUSTAINABLE STARCH/PVA/CUO ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS FROM SARGASSUM WIGHTII (BROWN MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT

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.This study investigated the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Sargassum wightii algal extract and their incorporation into starch/PVA nanoscaffolds for antidiabetic applications. UV Visible spectroscopy confirmed CuO NP formation with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 292 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed functional groups involved in stabilization and scaffold integration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the monoclinic tenorite phase of CuO NPs, with nanoscaffolds exhibiting semi-crystalline structure (45.3% crystallinity). scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed uniform, spherical CuO NPs and porous nanofibrous scaffolds (150–200 nm fiber diameter), ensuring optimal nanoparticle dispersion. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated scaffold stability up to 220°C, while DLS and zeta potential measurements demonstrated excellent colloidal stability (−12.0 mV). Antidiabetic evaluation revealed concentration-dependent α-amylase inhibition, with nanoscaffolds exhibiting the highest activity (78.52% at 100 µg/mL), surpassing CuO NPs (68.52%) and algal extract (50.52%). Similar trends were observed in α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The enhanced efficacy of nanoscaffolds is attributed to synergistic interactions between CuO NPs and the polymer matrix. These findings highlight the potential of starch/PVA/CuO-NPs nanoscaffolds as effective antidiabetic agents, warranting further in vivo studies for therapeutic validation.