GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MULTISCALE POLYMERIC (STARCH/PVA/CUO-NPS) ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS FROM ECTOCARPALES (MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT: PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND WOUND HEALING ASSESSMENT ON HACAT CELLS

Abstract

This study developed novel starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers incorporated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized via an eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted method using Ectocarpales marine macroalgae extract. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles and nanoscaffolds were systematically characterized. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CuO NPs, exhibiting a characteristic absorption edge at 200 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed functional groups from algal biomolecules and Cu–O bonding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the monoclinic tenorite phase of CuO NPs, whereas the nanoscaffolds displayed semi-crystalline polymer structures with embedded nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed uniform, bead-free nanofibers with well-dispersed CuO NPs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with a residual mass of 31.102% attributed to CuO. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis indicated moderate polydispersity (PDI: 0.475) and a positive surface charge (+14.03 mV), suggesting colloidal stability. The wound healing potential was evaluated using a scratch assay on HaCaT keratinocytes. The starch/PVA/CuO-NP nanoscaffolds exhibited superior cell migration, achieving 99.517% wound closure at 100 µg/mL, outperforming both CuO NPs (87.517%) and algal extract (73.517%). These findings highlight the scaffold’s exceptional wound healing efficacy, attributed to its nanofibrous structure and bioactive CuO NPs, making it a promising candidate for advanced wound care applications.