Abstract
Exogenous nucleotide supplementation during times of rapid growth and stress is preferred because de novo synthesis is insufficient and energetically a costly process. To overcome inefficient utilization of dietary nucleotides due to intestinal cell repulsion and dependency on pH, an efficient controlled delivery system based on chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. The effects of these (0.2% and 0.4%) RNA-loaded chitosan NPs (Chitosan: RNA ratio 2:1), 0.4% bare RNA, and 0.8% chitosan NPs on productive efficiency (growth rate, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio), body composition, organo-somatic indices, haemato-biochemical and immune responses (WBC count, phagocytic activity, serum lysozyme, serum total protein and albumin : globulin ratio) and survival of Labeo rohita fish fingerlings, following challenge with pathogenic bacteria were evaluated. Dietary chitosan NPs were found not to affect productive efficiency, but improved (P < 0.01) immunity by increasing WBC and phagocytic activity. Dietary RNA significantly improved (P < 0.01) productive efficiency, immunity and survival, which was further potentiated (P < 0.01) by its nanosized delivery by loading onto chitosan NPs. Blood glucose, haemoglobin, RBC count, serum uric acid and whole body composition were unaffected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. RNA-loaded chitosan NPs increased hepato- and viscerosomatic indices. The activity of metabolic enzymes (intestinal and liver alkaline phosphatase, alanine- and aspartateamino transferases, lactate- and malate-dehydrogeneases) corresponded with the performance of the respective diets. As growth, immunity and disease resistance in fish given dietary nano-sized RNA were significantly higher than in those given bare RNA or chitosan alone, and as nanoformulation reduced the usage of individual components by half, the use of RNA-loaded chitosan NPs can be favoured in the feed/food industry over chitosan and RNA alone.
Keywords: Body composition, chitosan nanoparticles, disease resistance, fish, immunity, performance, RNA.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of nanomaterials in fabrication of coatings, Machining and Joining
The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
Related Books
Nanoscale Field Effect Transistors: Emerging Applications
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications Part II
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications (Part I)
Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy
Synthesis and Applications of Semiconductor Nanostructures
Pathways to Green Nanomaterials: Plants as Raw Materials, Reducing Agents and Hosts
Applications of Nanomaterials in Medical Procedures and Treatments
Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Nanobiotechnology: Principles and Applications
Bio-Inspired Nanotechnology
17