Multifunctional Bioactive Nanofibers: Harnessing Metallophthalocyanines for Superior Antimicrobial and Photodynamic Therapy

ABSTRACT The development of advanced antimicrobial materials is crucial in the fight against multidrug‐resistant infections. Herein, electrospun poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PAN) nanofibers functionalized with metallophthalocyanines (ZnPc or MgPc) were developed for multifunctional biomedical applications. Thorough characterization (UV‐Vis, FTIR, FE‐SEM, EDX, thermal analysis) validated the effective inclusion of phthalocyanine, demonstrating smooth, homogeneous fibers with uniform component distribution and elevated thermal stability. The functionalized nanofibers (MgPc/PAN and ZnPc/PAN) demonstrated markedly superior biological activity relative to pure PAN. They exhibited enhanced amylolytic activity, with MgPc/PAN achieving 130.30% efficiency at 12.5%–25% concentrations; however, higher concentrations resulted in inhibition, indicating dual functionality. Complete DNA cleavage was seen at concentrations of 100–200 mg/L for all metal‐containing fibers, in contrast to inert pure PAN. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated significant, broad‐spectrum efficacy against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as fungi, with MICs ranging from 128 to 256 mg/L, while pure PAN exhibited inactivity (MIC >2048 mg/L). Biofilm inhibition surpassed 75% against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at a concentration of 200 mg/L. In photodynamic treatment conditions, ZnPc/PAN and MgPc/PAN achieved microbiological viability suppression rates of 91.46% and 81.77%, respectively, demonstrating significant dose‐dependent photodynamic antibacterial effectiveness. These nanocomposites possess potential for biomedical applications, including wound healing, infection control, and PDT.