Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Curcumin/Chlorella vulgaris Composite Nanofibers

¹ School of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to Be University), Puducherry 607402, India.
² Allied Health Sciences, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical Univeristy, Chennai), Tiruchirapalli, India.
³ School of Chemistry and Forensic Science, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 10 March 2026

Abstract

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a promising polymer for such applications but requires enhancement to address limitations in antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. This study investigates the incorporation of curcumin and Chlorella vulgaris into PVDF nanofibers to improve these properties. A total of five composite nanofiber samples were prepared by electrospinning PVDF, followed by post-treatment soaking in ethanol solutions containing varying concentrations of curcumin and Chlorella vulgaris. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed significant improvements in antimicrobial activity, with the composite containing 15% curcumin and 3% Chlorella vulgaris demonstrating the most effective performance. These findings suggest that the incorporation of curcumin and Chlorella vulgaris into PVDF nanofibers provides a promising solution for enhancing antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility, offering potential for advanced wound healing applications.