FABRICATION OF BIOCOMPATIBLE POLYMERIC ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS EMBEDDED WITH CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM BROWN MARINE MACROALGAE EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY ON HACAT CELLS

Abstract

This study investigated the synthesis, characterization, and wound healing potential of brown seaweed extract, green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), and starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/CuO-NPs nanoscaffolds. UV Visible spectroscopy confirmed the presence of UV-sensitive metabolites in the algal extract (peak at 267 nm) and revealed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band for CuO NPs at 292 nm, indicating nanoparticle formation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified functional groups involved in CuO NP stabilization and scaffold interactions, while X-ray diffraction (XRD)confirmed the monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs and their successful incorporation into the semi-crystalline starch/PVA matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed uniform CuO NP distribution within porous nanofibers, ideal for tissue regeneration. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability in CuO-loaded scaffolds. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed moderate colloidal stability (zeta potential: –10.03 mV) with a hydrodynamic diameter of 125.6 nm. In the wound healing assay, all samples exhibited concentration-dependent activity. The algal extract achieved 74% closure at 100 µg/mL, while CuO NPs showed superior efficacy (88%). However, the starch/PVA/CuO-NPs nanoscaffold demonstrated the highest wound closure (100%), attributed to its structural support and bioactive CuO NP release. These findings highlight the scaffold’s potential as an advanced wound dressing, combining biocompatibility, thermal stability, and enhanced regenerative properties for accelerated tissue repair.