PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF NOVEL STARCH/PVA/CUO ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS FROM SARGASSUM MUTICUM (BROWN MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT

Abstract

This study explores the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Sargassum muticum extract and their incorporation into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanoscaffolds for enhanced antimicrobial applications. The phytochemical-rich algal extract facilitated the eco-friendly reduction of Cu²⁺ ions, yielding stable CuO NPs, which were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation via a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 270 nm, while FTIR revealed functional groups involved in stabilization. XRD confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs, and SEM demonstrated uniform dispersion within nanofibers. The starch/PVA scaffolds exhibited high porosity and thermal stability, with TGA indicating enhanced degradation resistance. Antimicrobial assays revealed significant inhibitory effects against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp.) pathogens, with nanoscaffolds outperforming pure CuO NPs and algal extract. These findings highlight the potential of algae mediated CuO NPs in developing biocompatible, antimicrobial nanoscaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents.