SUSTAINABLE GREEN FABRICATION OF STARCH/PVA/CUO ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS USING ECTOCARPALES (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT: PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIDIABETIC EVALUATION

Abstract

This study presents an eco-friendly approach for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Ectocarpales algal extract and their incorporation into starch/PVA nanoscaffolds for antidiabetic applications. The algal-mediated synthesis yielded crystalline, spherical CuO NPs (50–200 nm) with a monoclinic tenorite structure, as confirmed by XRD and SEM. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption at 200 nm, while FT-IR analysis revealed biomolecule-mediated stabilization. The nanoscaffolds exhibited a porous, fibrous morphology (70–90 nm fiber diameter) with uniform NP dispersion. Thermal analysis demonstrated stability up to 337°C, and zeta potential measurements indicated moderate colloidal stability (+14.03 mV). Antidiabetic activity was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The algal extract showed moderate inhibition (18.72–53.92%), while CuO NPs exhibited enhanced efficacy (20.72–68.92%). The nanoscaffolds demonstrated superior performance (23.72–81.92%), approaching the standard drug acarbose, likely due to synergistic effects between CuO NPs and the polymer matrix. These results highlight the potential of algal-synthesized CuO NPs and their nanocomposites as sustainable, high-performance antidiabetic agents. The study provides insights into green nanotechnology for biomedical applications, warranting further in vivo investigations for therapeutic validation.