Microstructure, Optical, and Antibacterial Features of PVP/Cu2O Electrospun Nanofibers for Optoelectronics and Biological Purposes

Cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu 2 ONPs) are low-cost and exhibit unique physical and antibacterial efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria that increase the DNA degradation that has received much attention in recent years. For these reasons, three different prescusors of Cu 2 ONPs (3, 6, and 9 wt.%) were incorporated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to prepare PVP/Cu 2 ONP nanofiber using electrospinning procedures to augment their physical and antibacterial performance, which is promising in different optoelectronic, biological, pharmacological, and medical fields. FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of functional groups in the PVP/Cu 2 ONPs nanocomposite systems. FESEM showcased smooth surfaces of fine nanofibers, having average diameters of 29.53, 38.45, and 50.23 nm for pristine PVP and its nanocomposites with Cu 2 ONPs, respectively, which are more than those generated by a pure PVP solution (25.79 nm). Furthermore, the presence of beads on the string qualifies it for drug delivery. The absorbance of composite nanofibers increased with the increase in the content of Cu 2 ONPs, and there are distinct absorption peaks in the UV region at about 300 nm. Subsequently, the thickness-independent absorption spectra fitting (ASF) approach's calculation of the optical energy gap is roughly in line with thickness-dependent Tauc's model, which was in the range of 3.60–3.35 eV. All other optical parameters were also influenced by the dopant level. Moreover, PVP/Cu 2 ONPs showcased higher optical activity and raised DNA degradation effectiveness, confirming their higher effectiveness as an optical and antibacterial agent than PVP.