STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS EMBEDDED WITH ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CuO NANOPARTICLES FROM Chondracanthus exasperatus (RED MARINE MACROALGAE) EXTRACT: PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION

Abstract

This study explored the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Chondracanthus exasperatus algal extract and their incorporation into starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanoscaffolds for antimicrobial applications. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction facilitated the efficient release of phytochemicals, which acted as reducing and stabilizing agents for CuO NP synthesis. The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphology, high colloidal stability (zeta potential: –22.28 mV), and a monoclinic crystalline structure, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrospun nanoscaffolds demonstrated uniform fiber distribution with embedded CuO NPs, enhanced thermal stability, and strong antimicrobial activity against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter koseri) and fungal (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium species) pathogens at 50 µg/mL. The nanoscaffolds outperformed standalone CuO NPs and algal extract, with inhibition zones ranging from 22–29 mm, though remaining below the efficacy of standard antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and voriconazole). These findings highlight the potential of eco-friendly CuO NP-based nanoscaffolds as promising antimicrobial materials for biomedical applications, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents.