FABRICATION OF POLYMERIC (STARCH/PVA) ELECTROSPUN NANOSCAFFOLDS INCORPORATED WITH ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED BIOGENIC SYNTHESIS OF CUO NANOPARTICLES FROM BROWN MARINE MACROALGAE (DICTYOTA SP.) EXTRACT

Abstract

This study presents an eco-friendly strategy for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using the brown marine algae Dictyota as a biogenic source. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction of algal bioactives facilitated efficient nanoparticle formation, which was confirmed by UV–Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analyses. The synthesized CuO NPs were incorporated into a starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to fabricate electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with enhanced structural integrity and biological functionality. Physicochemical characterization revealed uniform fiber morphology, strong thermal stability, and successful nanoparticle integration. The antimicrobial potential of the scaffolds was evaluated against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects. This work highlights the synergistic benefits of green synthesis and polymeric nanofiber technology, proposing a sustainable and biocompatible platform for antimicrobial applications. Overall, the study contributes to the advancement of marine-derived nanomaterials and their potential in biomedical and environmental fields.