Multifunctional Electrospun Nanofibers Embedded with Metallophthalocyanines for Biomedical Applications: Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, and DNA Cleavage Activities

Abstract

This study describes the fabrication of functional nanofibers via electrospinning by embedding tetra-substituted metallophthalocyanines (CoPc, CuPc, MnClPc) into a poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinyl acetate) (PAN) matrix. Comprehensive characterization with UV-Vis, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, and thermal analysis demonstrated the successful incorporation of phthalocyanines, resulting in smooth, homogenous nanofibers with consistent component distribution and improved thermal stability. Biological assessments demonstrated significant biomedical and biotechnological potential. In assessments associated with diabetes therapy, MnClPc/PAN had a dual-mode action on alpha-amylase, showing both activation (22.29 +/- 1.43% increase) and noticeable inhibition (up to 73.59 +/- 3.82%). Furthermore, all operational nanofibers effectively cleaved pBR322 plasmid DNA, and complete degradation was achieved at concentrations ranging from 100 to 200 mg/L. Antimicrobial studies revealed moderate antibacterial effectiveness and a significant decrease in biofilm formation, with MnClPc/PAN showing the highest inhibition rates of 66.17 +/- 3.83% against S. aureus and 76.85 +/- 4.48% against P. aeruginosa. CoPc/PAN significantly decreased the vitality of E. coli by 75.65 +/- 4.33% in under dark conditions and by 85.02 +/- 4.97% after photodynamic treatment. The findings demonstrated that the developed nanofibers, MnClPc/PAN and CoPc/PAN show promise as candidates for improved wound dressings and smart drug delivery systems.