STARCH/PVA ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS INCORPORATED WITH ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CuO NANOPARTICLES FROM, A BROWN MARINE MACROALGAE (Sargassum wightii) EXTRACT: IN VITRO WOUND HEALING ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study explores the development and characterization of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanoscaffolds incorporated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized via an ultrasonic-assisted green method using Sargassum wightii extract. The phytochemical-rich algal extract facilitated the eco-friendly synthesis of CuO NPs, confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 292 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed functional groups involved in nanoparticle stabilization and polymer interactions, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated uniform nanoparticle distribution within the nanofibrous scaffold, which exhibited a porous and bead-free morphology conducive to cell attachment. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated thermal stability up to 220°C, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed colloidal stability with a zeta potential of −12 mV. The wound healing potential was evaluated using an in vitro scratch assay on HaCaT keratinocytes. The starch/PVA/CuO-NPs nanoscaffolds exhibited superior wound closure (48.62–96.62%) compared to standalone CuO NPs (41.62 84.62%) and algal extract (33.62–70.62%), highlighting their synergistic efficacy. These findings suggest that the composite nanoscaffolds enhance cell migration and proliferation, making them a promising candidate for wound healing applications. The study underscores the potential of green-synthesized CuO NPs and biopolymer nanoscaffolds in regenerative medicine.