Nanoparticle-driven aquaculture: transforming disease management and boosting sustainable fish farming practices

Abstract

The aquaculture industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food security and supporting the economic resilience of coastal communities. However, the prevalence of microbial diseases significantly threatens fish health, growth, and overall productivity, leading to substantial economic losses. The excessive use of antibiotics has further aggravated the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable and effective alternatives. This review critically examines the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) as innovative solutions for managing fish diseases and promoting sustainability in aquaculture. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, NPs demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, immune modulation capabilities, and prolonged protective effects against a wide range of fish pathogens. Moreover, the integration of NPs into polymeric or hydrogel matrices can enhance their stability, bioavailability, and efficacy, presenting a promising approach for disease management in aquaculture systems. This review emphasizes the significance of advancing NP-based applications and calls for comprehensive research to assess their long-term impacts on fish welfare, environmental health, and human safety. By effectively addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance and microbial infections, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize aquaculture disease management, improve food safety, and foster sustainable practices, thereby reinforcing the industry's contribution to global food systems.