MARINE MACROALGAL EXTRACT-FUNCTIONALIZED STARCH/PVA/CuO ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBROUS SCAFFOLDS WITH ENHANCED IN VITRO ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study developed starch/PVA electrospun nanoscaffolds incorporating Sargassum ilicifolium-synthesized CuO NPs and assessed their anti-inflammatory potential. UV-Vis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and  X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed nanoparticle formation and scaffold integration, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a porous fibrous morphology. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated thermal stability up to 374°C, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) showed CuO NPs had a 137 nm average size with -18.3 mV zeta potential. In anti-inflammatory assays, nanoscaffolds exhibited dose-dependent inhibition, achieving 84.38% (protein denaturation) and 81.35% (xanthine oxidase) at 100 µg/mL-comparable to diclofenac sodium (85.78% and 82.78%). The nanoscaffolds outperformed standalone algal extract and CuO NPs, suggesting synergistic effects. These results underscore the scaffold’s efficacy, attributed to enhanced bioavailability and controlled release, positioning it as a sustainable anti-inflammatory material. Further in vivo studies are warranted.