Development and characterisation of copper oxide nanoparticle-functionalized corn husk cellulose-PVA membranes for...

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes enable selective cell repopulation, but many existing membranes suffer from limited mechanical stability, rapid degradation, and a lack of sustainable biomaterials. Corn husk, an agricultural waste rich in cellulose, offers an eco-friendly alternative. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforcement and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) may further enhance strength and biological performance. This study fabricated and in vitro evaluated an electrospun GTR membrane combining corn husk-derived cellulose, PVA, and CuO NPs.

Cellulose was extracted from corn husk through glycerine treatment, alkaline purification, and peroxide bleaching. CuO nanoparticles were synthesised by precipitating Cu(OH)₂ followed by calcination. A composite electrospinning solution of PVA (10 wt%), cellulose (2 wt%), and CuO NPs (5 wt%) was electrospun under optimised conditions (20 kV, 0.5 mL/h, 12 cm). The resulting membrane underwent in vitro characterisation.

SEM and EDS confirmed uniform CuO nanoparticle dispersion within the PVA/Cellulose fibres; FTIR verified chemical integration. MTT assay showed >96% cell viability, with small but significant reductions at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions (p < 0.01). The membrane exhibited hydrophilicity (contact angle ∼19°), tensile stress of 0.43 MPa, and strong antibacterial effects against E. coli (p = 0.0001) and S. aureus (p = 0.00007). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity increased dose-dependently. ALP expression was significantly upregulated (3.20-, 5.40-, and 8.00-fold; p < 0.01), indicating enhanced early osteogenesis.

The composite membrane demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and osteogenic potential, supporting its promise as a sustainable GTR material.