Nanominerals: Fabrication Methods, Benefits and Hazards, and Their Applications in Ruminants with Special Reference to Selenium and Zinc Nanoparticles

In vivo evaluation of selenium-tellurium based nanoparticles as a novel treatment for bovine mastitis

BACKGROUND

Bovine mastitis is one of the main causes of reduced production in dairy cows. The infection of the mammary gland is mainly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, whose resistant strains make the treatment of mastitis with conventional antibiotics very difficult and result in high losses. Therefore, it is important to develop novel therapeutic agents to overcome the resistance of mastitis-causing strains. In this study, novel selenium-tellurium based nanoparticles (SeTeNPs) were synthesized and characterized. Their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using a bovine model. A total of 10 heifers were divided into experimental and control groups (5 animals each). After intramammary infection with methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and the development of clinical signs of mastitis, a dose of SeTeNPs was administered to all quarters in the experimental group.

RESULTS

Based on in vitro tests, the concentration of 149.70 mg/L and 263.95 mg/L of Se and Te, respectively, was used for application into the mammary gland. Three days after SeTeNPs administration, MRSA counts in the experimental group showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. The inhibitory effect observed within the in vitro experiments was thus confirmed, resulting in the suppression of infection in animals. Moreover, the superior biocompatibility of SeTeNPs in the organism was demonstrated, as the nanoparticles did not significantly alter the inflammatory response or histopathology at the site of application, i.e., mammary gland, compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Additionally, the metabolic profile of the blood plasma as well as the histology of the main organs remained unaffected, indicating that the nanoparticles had no adverse effects on the organism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SeTeNPs can be used as a promising treatment for bovine mastitis in the presence of resistant bacteria. However, the current study is limited by its small sample size, making it primarily a proof of the concept for the efficacy of intramammary-applied SeTeNPs. Therefore, further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate these results.

Trace Minerals in Laying Hen Diets and Their Effects on Egg Quality

With the advancement in the egg industry sector, egg quality has assumed great significance in certain countries. Enhancements in the nutritional value of eggs may have direct affirmative consequences for daily nutrient intake and therefore for human health. Thus, affirmative improvement in egg quality boosts consumer preferences for eggs. Also, the improvement in eggshell quality can avoid the disposal of broken eggs and consequently economic losses. Therefore, poultry nutrition and mineral supplements have a significant impact on egg quality. Minerals are crucial in poultry feed for a number of biological processes, including catalytic, physiologic, and structural processes. For instance, they contribute to the biological processes necessary for forming and developing eggshells. To produce high-quality eggs for sale, diets must therefore contain the right amount of minerals. This review aims to highlight the role of both organic and inorganic minerals in improving egg quality, in addition to reviewing the interactions of mineral supplements with intestinal microbiota and subsequent effects on the egg quality.

Efficacy of zinc nanoparticle supplementation on ruminal environment in lambs

BACKGROUND

Zinc nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by high bioavailability, small size, and high absorbability. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of Zn-NP feed supplementation on ruminal fermentation, microbiota, and histopathology in lambs. In vitro (24 h), short-term (STE, 28 d), and long-term (LTE, 70 d) experiments were performed. The lambs in STE were fed a basal diet (BD) composed of 350 g/d ground barley and 700 g/d meadow hay (Control), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NPs), and BD enriched with Zn phosphate-based NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnP-NP). The in vitro gas production technique was used in incubated rumen fluid from STE. The lambs in LTE were fed BD (Control), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (40 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NP40), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NP80) and BD enriched with ZnO (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-80).

RESULTS

After 24 h of incubation, dry matter digestibility was higher for ZnO-NP and ZnP-NP substrates than the control in an in vitro experiment (P < 0.001). The total bacterial population in the STE was lower (P < 0.001) in the ZnP-NP group than in the control and ZnO-NP groups, but the protozoan populations were not significantly different. The ammonia-N concentration in LTE was lowest in the ZnO-NP80 group (P = 0.002), but the activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P < 0.001) and xylanase (P = 0.002) were higher in the ZnO-NP40, ZnO-NP80, and ZnO-80 groups than in the control group. Morphological observation after STE and LTE revealed histological changes (e.g. inflammation of the epithelium or edema of the connective tissue) in the rumen of lambs.

CONCLUSION

Zn-NP supplementation up to 70 d improved feed-use efficiency and influenced ammonia-N concentration and activities of hydrolases in the rumen. The active ruminal fermentation affected the health of the ruminal papillae and epithelium in the lambs, regardless of the application's form, dose, or duration. However, by affecting rumen microbial fermentation, Zn-NPs could alter fermentation patterns, thereby increasing the capacity of host rumen epithelial cells to transport short-chain fatty acids.

Contribution of nanotechnology to greater efficiency in animal nutrition and production

Feed costs present a major burden in animal production for human consumption, representing a key opportunity for cost reduction and profit improvement. Nanotechnology offers potential to increase productivity by creating higher-quality and safer products. The feed sector has benefited from the use of nanosystems to improve the stability and bioavailability of feed ingredients. The development of nanotechnology products for feed must consider the challenges raised by biological barriers as well as regulatory requirements. While some nanotechnology-based products are already commercially available for animal production, the exponential growth and application of these products requires further research ensuring their safety and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks and regulatory guidelines. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding nanotechnology solutions applied in feed, as well as the risks and opportunities aimed to help researchers and livestock producers.

Biological Selenium Nanoparticles in Quail Nutrition: Biosynthesis and its Impact on Performance, Carcass, Blood Chemistry, and Cecal Microbiota

This study was conducted to examine the influence of dietary supplementation of biological nano-selenium (BNSe) on productive performance, hematology, blood chemistry, antioxidant status, immune response, cecal microbiota, and carcass traits of quails. In total, 180 Japanese quails (1 week old) were randomly allocated into four groups, with five replicates of nine chicks each in a complete randomized design. The 1st group was fed a control diet without BNSe, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments were fed diets supplemented with BNSe (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g /kg feed, respectively). The best level of BNSe in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) parameters was 0.4 g/kg diet. Feed conversion was improved (P < 0.01) by adding BNSe in quail feed compared with the basal diet without any supplementation. The inclusion of different BNSe levels (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 g/kg) exhibited an insignificant influence on all carcass traits. The dietary addition of BNSe (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) significantly augmented aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (P = 0.0127), total protein and globulin (P < 0.05), white blood cells (WBCs) (P = 0.031), and red blood cells (RBCs) (P = 0.0414) compared with the control. The dietary BNSe supplementation significantly improved lipid parameters, antioxidant and immunological indices, and increased selenium level in the blood (P < 0.05). BNSe significantly increased (P = 0.0003) lactic acid bacteria population number and lowered the total number of yeasts, molds, total bacterial count, E. coli, Coliform, Salmonella, and Enterobacter (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, adding BNSe up to 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg can boost the growth, lactic acid bacteria population number, hematology, immunological indices, antioxidant capacity, and lipid profile, as well as decline intestinal pathogens in growing quail.

Comparative effects of dietary zinc nanoparticle and conventional zinc supplementation on broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim

Zinc (Zn) is important for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The gastrointestinal absorption of Zn in broiler chickens was notably low. One approach that has been explored for enhancing the bioavailability of Zn is the development of Zn nanoparticles (NPs). Zn is required for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of conventional Zn and Zn NPs on broiler chickens using a meta-analysis methodology.

Materials and Methods

A database was built from published literature to evaluate the effects of the addition of Zn NPs and conventional Zn on broiler chicken responses, including the following parameters: production performance; carcass cuts; visceral organ weight; lymphoid organ weight; nutrient digestibility; intestinal villi; mineral Zn, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations; hematology; blood parameters; immunoglobulin; and intestinal bacterial population. Various scientific platforms, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, were used to search for peer-reviewed articles. A database was created from 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The data were then processed for a meta-analysis using a mixed-model methodology. Different types of Zn (NPs versus conventional) were considered fixed effects, different studies were treated as random effects, and p-values were used as model statistics.

Results

Across the parameters observed in this study, the use of Zn NPs was more efficient in Zn utilization than conventional Zn, as evidenced by the average dose of Zn NPs being much lower than that of conventional Zn (79.44 vs. 242.76 mg/kg) yet providing similar (p > 0.05) or even significantly better effects (p < 0.05) compared to conventional Zn usage.

Conclusion

This investigation revealed the beneficial influence of Zn NPs in broiler chickens compared to the conventional utilization of Zn through an all-encompassing meta-analysis. Moreover, Zn NPs have proven to be more effective in Zn utilization when juxtaposed with conventional Zn, as demonstrated by the significantly lower quantity of Zn NPs administered compared to conventional Zn, while yielding comparable or even superior outcomes compared to the traditional utilization of Zn. A limitation of this study is that the Zn NPs used were sourced from inorganic Zn NPs. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the efficiency of organic Zn NPs in broiler chicken feed.

Dietary Supplementation of Microalgae and/or Nanominerals Mitigate the Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Growing Rabbits

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental factors that result in fluctuations and shrinkage in rabbit growth, health, and overall productivity. This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary mineral nanoparticles (selenium or zinc) and/or Spirulina platensis (SP) independently and in combination on stressed growing rabbits. A total of 180 weaned growing New Zealand White rabbits were included in this study and randomly divided into six dietary treatments. Rabbits received a basal diet (control group; CON group) or fortified with SP (1 g/kg diet), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 50 mg/kg diet), zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 100 mg/kg diet), and a mixture of SP and SeNPs (SPSeNPs) or SP and ZnNPs (SPZnNPs) groups for 8 weeks during summer conditions. The obtained results demonstrated a significant increase in the final body weight and weight gain (p < 0.05). Additionally, the feed conversion ratio was improved during the periods from 6 to 14 weeks in the treated rabbits compared to those in the CON group. Dietary supplements considerably improved (p < 0.05) the blood hematology (WBCs, Hb, RBCs, and Hct) and some carcass traits (liver weights and edible giblets). All dietary supplements significantly decreased serum levels of total glycerides (p < 0.0001), AST (p = 0.0113), ALT (p = 0.0013), creatinine (p = 0.0009), and uric acid (p = 0.0035) compared to the CON group. All treated groups (except ZnNPs) had lower values of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in a dose-dependent way when compared to the CON group. The values of IgA, IgG, and superoxide dismutase were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all treated rabbits compared to the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the levels of T3 (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in all treated growing rabbits (except for the ZnNP group), while the serum cortisol, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl were significantly decreased in the treated groups (p < 0.05). Dietary supplements sustained the changes in hepatic, renal, and cardiac impairments induced by HS in growing rabbits. Adding SP (1 g/kg diet) or SeNPs (50 mg/kg diet) in the diet, either individually or in combination, improved growth performance, blood picture, and immunity-antioxidant responses in stressed rabbits. Overall, these feed additives (SP, SeNPs, or their mixture) can be applied as an effective nutritional tool to reduce negative impacts of summer stress conditions, thereby maintaining the health status and improving the heat tolerance in growing rabbits.

Advances in the Synthesis and Bioactivity of Polysaccharide Selenium Nanoparticles: A Review

Selenium, an essential trace element of the human body, is pivotal in human health and disease prevention. Nevertheless, the narrow therapeutic index of selenium, where the toxic and therapeutic doses are close, limits its clinical utility. Significantly, nanoscale selenium synthesized by different methods using polysaccharides as stabilizers has low toxicity properties and exhibits excellent bioactivity. Its biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune function enhancement, are improved compared with traditional organic and inorganic selenium compounds, conferring greater potential for application in biomedicine. Therefore, this review evaluates the advancements in various synthesis methodologies for polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and their biological activities. It aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical basis and research directions for the future development of highly efficient, minimally toxic, and biocompatible polysaccharide-Se NPs and the application of polysaccharide-Se NPs in biomedicine.

Impacts of selenium nanoparticles and spirulina alga to alleviate the deleterious effects of heat stress on reproductive efficiency, oxidative capacity and immunity of doe rabbits

Effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina platensis (SP) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) combination (SP-SeNPs) on the reproductive performance in vivo and in vitro, reproductive and metabolic hormones, hemato-bichemical parameters, oxidative stress, and immunity of heat-stressed doe rabbis were evaluated. All supplements significantly increased live litter size at birth and weaning, viability rate at birth, hemoglobin and red blood cells, and plasma T3, T4, insulin, total proteins and albumin compared with control. Plasma estradiol 17-β (pre-mating), progesterone (mid-pregnancy), and prolactin (day -7 postpartum) were significantly increased only by SeNPs (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg). All dietary supplements significantly reduced WBCs, cortisol, lipid profile, and improved liver and kidney functions. Immunoglobulins levels, antioxidants capacity were significantly increased, superoxide dismutase was increased by SeNPs (0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg), while malondialdehyde was reduced by 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 SeNPs mg/kg. Sexual receptivity, pregnancy rate, viability rate at weaning, ovulation rate, and embryo quality were significantly increased by increasing SeNPs above 0.1 mg, while embryo yield was increased by >0.2 mg SeNPs/kg. A combination of SP and SeNPs, could be potentially used as a strong antioxidant to enhance heat regulation and doe rabbit reproduction via improving reproductive and metabolic hormones, antioxidant status and immunological parameters.

Effect of olive, flaxseed, and grape seed nano-emulsion essential oils on semen buffalo freezability

The existing treatise targeted to compare the effects of adding different nano-emulsions essential oils (olive, flaxseed, and grapeseed oils) in freezing extender on semen quality and freezability in buffalo. Nano-emulsions were prepared from olive, flaxseed, and grapeseed oils and characterized for their sizes and shapes. Semen extended in four tubes were supplemented with 0 (control) and 3.5% nanoemulsion oils, including olive (NEO), flaxseed (NEFO) and grape seed oils (NEGSO) respectively. NEGSO resulted in the highest (p < 0.05) membrane integrity, vitality, progressive motility (P-motility) of sperm compared to the other groups in post-thawed buffalo bull semen (at 37 °C for 30 s). The addition of NEGSO had the best results for membrane integrity, progressive motility, and vitality of sperm after incubation (at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for 2 h). A superior (p < 0.05) value of total antioxidant capacity in frozen-thawed spermatozoa was monitored in all supplemented groups as relative to the control. The values of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were lower (p < 0.05) in NEGSO group compared with other groups. Both NEO and NEFO exhibited the same results for MDA, and NO levels (p > 0.05). All supplemented groups exhibited lower hydrogen peroxide levels (p < 0.05) as relative to the un-treated group. The lowest (p < 0.05) caspase 3 levels were verified in NEGSO treatment, followed by NEFO and NEO treatments. Post-thawed sperm showed ultrastructural damages in the control group, and theses damages were attenuated or resorted by the NEGSO, NEFO and NEO supplemented to freezing extender. In consequences with in vitro results regarding the sperm attribute, a greater pregnancy rate (92%) was observed in NEGSO group as compared with NEFO (88%), NEO (76%) and CON (68%) groups. Our findings demonstrate that NEGSO (3.5%) could be used as a new strategy in enhancing sperm functionality, potential fertility and reducing the oxidative damage and apoptosis markers. This could be significantly applicable for sperm physiology cryopreservation in the milieu of assisted reproduction systems.

Dietary zinc-chitosan nanoparticles addition influences on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, carcass indices, and immune function in weaned rabbits

The aim of this study was to study the effect of zinc oxide-chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs) on growth performance, plasma constituents, carcass indices, and immune function in rabbit diets. Eighty weaned V-line males rabbits at 5 weeks of age were divided into four dietary groups of control diet; 50 Zn-CNPs; 75 Zn-CNPs;100 Zn-CNPs. Supplementation of Zn-CNPs did not affect final live body weight and average daily weight gain. 100 ppm Zn-CNPs recorded (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, and NFE. Dietary groups of 75 and 100 ppm were higher (p < 0.05) in DCP, TDN (%), and DE (kcal/kg). Zn-CNPs supplementation was higher (p < 0.05) in hot carcass and spleen weights %. The addition of Zn-CNPs in diets promoted dressing%. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in plasma total protein and albumin levels for 75 and 100 Zn-CNPs. Zn-CNPs decreased (p < 0.05) glucose, total cholesterol, LDL concentrations and increased (p < 0.05) plasma zinc levels, IgG, IgM. Plasma HDL level increased (p < 0.05) with 75 and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs. In conclusion, Zn-CNPs supplementations can use safely as a zinc source in rabbits diets without any detrimental effects on growth performance, plasma constituents, and carcass indices. Moreover, 50, 75, and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs enhanced the immune functions.

The role of different dietary Zn sources in modulating heat stress-related effects on some thermoregulatory parameters of New Zealand white rabbit bucks

The present work was conducted to assess the effect of diets supplementation to heat-stressed buck rabbits with different zinc (Zn) sources on the thermoregulatory and hematobiochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. A total of 24 mature buck rabbits (32-36 weeks of age) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 each). Group 1, non-heat-stressed control (NHSC), was reared in the absence of heat stress (HS) conditions and received the basal diet only. The other three groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) were kept in HS conditions. Group 2, heat-stressed control (HSC), received the basal diet only. The diet supplemented with 75 mg Zn/kg diet either in the inorganic form (Zn sulfate) or in the organic form (Zn picolinate) for groups 3 and 4, respectively. Zn supplementation to rabbits' diets lowered the heat stress-related increase of serum urea, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. These supplementations also increased the concentration of testosterone under HS conditions. Zn picolinate was more effective than Zn sulfate in restoring serum concentrations of urea, testosterone, and MDA. In conclusion, Zn addition to rabbits' diets from different sources, especially Zn picolinate, exhibits an ameliorative effect against the harmful impact of HS on hematobiochemical parameters and antioxidant status.

Mitigation of Imidacloprid Toxicity in Poultry Chicken by Selenium Nanoparticles: Growth Performance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Blood Traits

Imidacloprid is an insecticide that protects against insects in the agriculture, animal, and poultry production sectors. Since the accumulation of imidacloprid induces adverse impacts on general health status and quality of the food chain, this study tested the impacts on broilers. Besides, selenium nanoparticles were fed to birds to relieve the negative impacts on growth performance and health status. Birds (1-day age, initial weight 46.05 ± 1.0 g) divided into four groups (triplicates) where 15 chicks of each replicate (45 for each group). The first group (control) was fed the basal diet without either selenium or imidacloprid toxicity. The second group was fed selenium nano form at 3 mg/kg. The third group was fed selenium and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). The fourth group was fed selenium nano form (3 mg/kg) and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). All groups were kept under the same conditions for 35 days. The final weight and weight gain of birds fed selenium nano form showed marked improvement compared to the imidacloprid-exposed group, while the feed intake and feed conversion ratio markedly reduced. The red blood cells showed higher values in birds fed selenium nano than the control and those exposed to imidacloprid. Interestingly, the hemoglobulin and hematocrit increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. Furthermore, the white blood cells increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. The total protein, albumin, and globulin were higher in birds fed selenium nanoparticles than those exposed to imidacloprid with or without selenium feeding. Birds in the control and imidacloprid groups had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde levels than the remaining groups. Accordingly, dietary selenium nanoparticles are suggested in broiler feed to cope with the adverse effects of imidacloprid toxicity.

Pomegranate Peel Extract Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesis: Promising Antimicrobial Potential, Antioxidant Activity, Biocompatibility, and Hemocompatibility

The green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) had been synthesized by pomegranate peel extract (PPE). The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the synthesized Se NPs, as well as their hemocompatibility, were investigated. Se NPs were characterized by UV-Vis., SEM, XRD, HR-TEM, DLS, EDX, FTIR, and mapping techniques. HR-TEM image represented the spheroidal forms with moderately monodispersed NPs with a mean diameter 14.5 nm. The SEM image of Se NPs, incorporated with PPE, exhibits uniform NP surfaces, and the appearance was clear. The antimicrobial results confirmed the potential of Se NPs to hinder the growth of some tested pathogenic microbes. Results revealed that Se NPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans where inhibition zones were 29, 16, 41, 22, and 54 mm, respectively. Likewise, it exhibited antifungal activity where the values of inhibition zones were 41, 40, 38, and 36 mm against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and A. niger, respectively. The antioxidant activities of Se NPs at concentrations 250-4000 µg/mL were greater than 90% in all cases. Se NP concentrations of 500 µg/mL or less are safe in usage according to hemocompatibility study. Se NPs had an IC50 of 113.73 µg/mL in a cytotoxicity experiment. Results revealed that Se NPs have promising anticancer activities against MCF7 and Mg63 cancerous cell line, where IC50 was 69.8 and 47.9 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, Se NPs were successfully biosynthesized using PPE for the first time; these Se NPs had promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Meeting Contemporary Challenges: Development of Nanomaterials for Veterinary Medicine

In recent decades, nanotechnology has been rapidly advancing in various fields of human activity, including veterinary medicine. The review presents up-to-date information on recent advancements in nanotechnology in the field and an overview of the types of nanoparticles used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, their characteristics, and their areas of application. Currently, a wide range of nanomaterials has been implemented into veterinary practice, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices, feed additives, and vaccines. The application of nanoformulations gave rise to innovative strategies in the treatment of animal diseases. For example, antibiotics delivered on nanoplatforms demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity and dosage requirements when compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, providing a possibility to solve antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoparticle-based drugs showed promising results in the treatment of animal parasitoses and neoplastic diseases. However, the latter area is currently more developed in human medicine. Owing to the size compatibility, nanomaterials have been applied as gene delivery vectors in veterinary gene therapy. Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of the development of innovative nanovaccines inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. The paper provides a brief overview of current topics in nanomaterial safety, potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, and relevant regulatory aspects.

New investigation of anti-inflammatory activity of Polycladia crinita and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles: isolation and characterization

BACKGROUND

Marine macroalgae have gained interest recently, mostly due to their bioactive components. Polycladia crinita is an example of marine macroalgae from the Phaeophyceae class, also known as brown algae. They are characterized by a variety of bioactive compounds with valuable medical applications. The prevalence of such naturally active marine resources has made macroalgae-mediated manufacturing of nanoparticles an appealing strategy. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of an aqueous extract of Polycladia crinita and biosynthesized P. crinita selenium nanoparticles (PCSeNPs) via a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The synthesized PCSeNPs were fully characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and EDX analyses.

RESULTS

FTIR analysis of Polycladia crinita extract showed several sharp absorption peaks at 3435.2, 1423.5, and 876.4 cm-1 which represent O-H, C=O and C=C groups. Moreover, the most frequent functional groups identified in P. crinita aqueous extract that are responsible for producing SeNPs are the -NH2-, -C=O-, and -SH- groups. The EDX spectrum analysis revealed that the high percentages of Se and O, 1.09 ± 0.13 and 36.62 ± 0.60%, respectively, confirmed the formation of SeNPs. The percentages of inhibition of the edema in pretreated groups with doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p., of PCSeNPs were 62.78% and 77.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the pretreated groups with 25, 50 mg/kg of P. crinita extract displayed a substantial decrease in the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 26.9%, and 51.68% decrease, respectively), indicating potent antioxidant effect. Additionally, the pretreated groups with PCSeNPs significantly suppressed the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 54.77%, and 65.08% decreases, respectively). The results of immune-histochemical staining revealed moderate COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with scores 2 and 1 in rats pre-treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of free extract, respectively. Additionally, the rats pre-treated with different doses of PCSeNPs demonstrated weak COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with score 1 (25 mg/kg) and negative expression with score 0 (50 mg/kg). Both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

These distinguishing features imply that this unique alga is a promising anti-inflammatory agent. Further studies are required to investigate its main active ingredients and possible side effects.

Antiradical and Antioxidant Activity of Compounds Containing 1,3-Dicarbonyl Moiety: An Overview

Free radicals and oxidants may cause various damages both to the lifeworld and different products. A typical solution for the prophylaxis of oxidation-caused conditions is the usage of various antioxidants. Among them, various classes are found-polyphenols, conjugated polyalkenes, and some sulfur and nitrogen derivatives. Regarding the active site in the molecules, a widely discussed group of compounds are 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. Among them are natural (e.g., curcumin and pulvinic acids) and synthetic (e.g., 4-hydroxy coumarins, substituted Meldrum's acids) compounds. Herein, information about various compounds containing the 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety is covered, and their antiradical and antioxidant activity, depending on the structure, is discussed.

The synergistic impact of Spirulina and selenium nanoparticles mitigates the adverse effects of heat stress on the physiology of rabbits bucks

Heat stress has a detrimental effect on animal fertility, particularly testicular functions, including reduced sperm output and quality, which causes an economic loss in the production of rabbits. The present trial investigated the efficacy of dietary Spirulina (SP) (Arthrospira platensis), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and their combination (SP-SeNPs) on semen quality, haemato-biochemical, oxidative stress, immunity, and sperm quality of heat-stressed (HS) rabbit bucks. Sixty mature bucks (APRI line) were distributed into 6 groups of ten replicates under controlled conditions. Bucks in the 1st group (control-NC) were kept under normal conditions (11-22°C; 40-45% RH% = relative humidity), while the 2nd group (control-HS) was kept under heat stress conditions (32±0.50°C; 60-66% RH %). The control groups were fed a commercial pelleted diet and the other four heat-stressed groups were fed a commercial pelleted diet with 1 g SP, 25 mg SeNPs, 1 g SP+25 mg SeNPs, and 1 g SP+50 mg SeNPs per kg diet, respectively. The dietary inclusion of SP, SeNPs, and their combinations significantly increased hemoglobin, platelets, total serum protein, high-density lipoproteins, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and seminal plasma testosterone while decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde compared with the control-HS. Red blood cells, packed cell volume, serum albumin, and testosterone significantly increased, while SeNPs, SP+SeNPs25, and SP+SeNPs50 significantly decreased low-density lipoproteins, aspartate, and alanine amino transferees. Total antioxidant capacity substantially increased in serum and seminal plasma, while seminal plasma malondialdehyde decreased in 25 or 50 mg of SeNPs+SP/kg groups. All supplements significantly improved libido, sperm livability, concentration, intact acrosome, membrane integrity, total output in fresh semen, and sperm quality in cryopreserved semen. SP-SeNPs50 had higher synergistic effect than SP-SeNPs25 on most different variables studied. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of SP plus SeNPs50 has a synergistic effect and is considered a suitable dietary supplement for improving reproductive efficiency, health, oxidative stress, and immunity of bucks in the breeding strategy under hot climates.

Physiological Benefits of Novel Selenium Delivery via Nanoparticles

Dietary selenium (Se) intake within the physiological range is critical to maintain various biological functions, including antioxidant defence, redox homeostasis, growth, reproduction, immunity, and thyroid hormone production. Chemical forms of dietary Se are diverse, including organic Se (selenomethionine, selenocysteine, and selenium-methyl-selenocysteine) and inorganic Se (selenate and selenite). Previous studies have largely investigated and compared the health impacts of dietary Se on agricultural stock and humans, where dietary Se has shown various benefits, including enhanced growth performance, immune functions, and nutritional quality of meats, with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and finally enhanced thyroid health and fertility in humans. The emergence of nanoparticles presents a novel and innovative technology. Notably, Se in the form of nanoparticles (SeNPs) has lower toxicity, higher bioavailability, lower excretion in animals, and is linked to more powerful and superior biological activities (at a comparable Se dose) than traditional chemical forms of dietary Se. As a result, the development of tailored SeNPs for their use in intensive agriculture and as candidate for therapeutic drugs for human pathologies is now being actively explored. This review highlights the biological impacts of SeNPs on growth and reproductive performances, their role in modulating heat and oxidative stress and inflammation and the varying modes of synthesis of SeNPs.

Use of zinc nanoparticles and/or prodigiosin to mitigate heat stress in rabbits

Heat stress (HS) is an environmental challenge affecting animals' health, productivity and welfare. This work aimed to inspect the protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and/or prodigiosin (PRG) against inflammation, immune dysfunction, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggered by HS in growing rabbits. Growing weaned rabbits (one hundred males, 35 days of age) were randomly assigned into four groups. The first group fed a basal diet without supplementation and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups fed diets containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 50mg/kg diet), prodigiosin (PRG, 100 mg/kg diet) or their mixture (ZnPRG) under HS conditions for eight successive weeks. The dietary inclusion with ZnNPs and/or PRG significantly boosted FBW (final body weight), CBWG (cumulative body weight gain), and FCR (feed conversion ratio) and had no substantial impacts on the CFI (cumulative feed intake) as compared with those in HS one. All supplemented treatments significantly unveiled an increase in the values of RBCs, hemoglobin, and platelets and significantly decreased in WBCs, basophils and monocytes with non-statistically effects on hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, neutrophils and eosinophils. Compared with the HS group, all supplemental groups showed a significant reduction in TNFα, IL4, IFN-γ, TLR-4 and amyloid A levels and DNA damage markers (Ohdg) and significantly increased in the levels of NO and lysosome activity. Rabbits in the ZnPRG group had significantly higher Ig G and Ig M levels than in other groups. The highest value of CAT and GSH levels were found in rabbits received the mixture of ZnNPs (50mg) and PRG (100mg) in their diets under elevated temperatures. Additionally, both treatments, PRG and ZnNPS, significantly (P<0.001) reduced the values of MDA and MYO, while all treated groups had significantly reduced PC contents compared with the HS group. Co-supplement with ZnPRG showed a considerable restoration in the higher immune expression of reticulum oxidative such GRP78 and IRE1 in hepatic tissues induced by HS conditions. The mixture of ZnNPs and PRG presented more robust effects in mitigating the adverse impacts of HS in rabbits compared with the individual treatments. Collectively, ZnNPs and/or PRG alleviated oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, it enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune function, and downregulated ER stress such as GRP78 and IRE1 signaling in the hepatic tissues of stressed rabbits.

Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Applications: A Descriptive Review

Silver nanoparticles have been a recent focus of many researchers in dentistry, and their potential uses and benefits have drawn attention in dentistry and medicine. The fabrication and utilization of nanoscale substances and structures are at the core of the rapidly developing areas of nanotechnology. They are often used in the dental industry because they prevent bacteria from making nanoparticles, oxides, and biofilms. They also stop the metabolism of bacteria. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a type of zero-dimensional material with different shapes. Dentistry has to keep up with changing patient needs and new technology. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used in dentistry for disinfection and preventing infections in the oral cavity. One of the most interesting metallic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The dental field has found promising uses for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the elimination of plaque and tartar, as well as the elimination of bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth. The incorporation of AgNPs into dental materials has been shown to significantly enhance patients' oral health, leading to their widespread use. This review focuses on AgNP synthesis, chemical properties, biocompatibility, uses in various dental fields, and biomaterials used in dentistry. With an emphasis on aspects related to the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, this descriptive review paper also intends to address the recent developments of AgNPs in dentistry.

Potentials of Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Improving Growth Performance, Health Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

The demand for chicken meat is on the rise, necessitating high level of production and efficient feed conversion which to a certain extent can be actualized by the use of specific trace minerals like zinc (Zn). Zn is a part of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. In addition, Zn has antioxidant properties and is vital for hormone function, including growth, pancreatic, and sex hormones. Its deficiency in animals is characterized by poor fertility, decreased feed intake, poor growth, testicular atrophy, and weakened immunity. Nano-Zn sources have been shown to be more bioavailable than conventional zinc (organic and inorganic) sources. Zn from organic sources, on the other hand, has higher bioavailability than Zn from inorganic sources. Furthermore, Zn supplementation promotes growth, enhances antioxidant capacity, modulates the immunity, and improves health indices in broiler chickens. Published studies have demonstrated that Zn supplementation has the potential to improve carcass yield and meat quality in broilers with various research contradictions. However, a clear understanding of the role of Zn in broiler nutrition is still lacking, necessitating further research. As a result, the purpose of this review was to highlight the influence of Zn (organic or inorganic) supplementation on growth, blood characteristics, antioxidant status, immune responses, Zn tissue/fecal concentrations, intestinal villus histomorphology, and meat quality of broiler chickens as well as Zn bioavailability to understand the role of Zn in broiler nutrition, resolve contradictory research results, and identify knowledge gaps. Understanding the role of dietary Zn in broiler chicken nutrition and meat quality will avail important suggestion on policy advancements and sustainable use of Zn in the broiler chicken industry.

Effects of supplementing organic- and inorganic-based selenium with vitamin E on intestinal histomorphology, caecal bacterial proliferation, and short-chain fatty acid profile in layer hens

The effects of supplementing different dietary selenium (Se) sources on intestinal histomorphology, caecal bacterial proliferation, and caecum short-chain fatty acid in layer chickens were studied. A total of 120 of 54-week-old Lohman Brown Classic laying hens were subjected to four dietary treatments: control group with no Se supplementation (T1), 0.3 mg/kg of sodium selenite (T2), 0.3 mg/kg of selenium yeast (T3), and 0.3 mg/kg of bacterial Se (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, ADS18) (T4). All treatments were also supplemented with 250 mg/kg of vitamin E. Results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher villus height in different small intestine parts in hens fed with diets containing organic Se sources (T3 and T4), as compared to inorganic sources (T2) and control (T1). A greater crypt depth was observed for the T1 group, as compared to T3 and T4 groups. The total bacterial populations of Bifidobacteria spp. and Lactobacilli spp. were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and tEscherichia coli population was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in T3 and T4 groups. No effect on the total caecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) content was observed. However, there was a significant increase (21.5%) of the butyric acid content in T4 group. In conclusion, organic Se supplementation, particularly bacterial organic Se, enhances intestinal histomorphology, increases the beneficial caecal bacterial proliferation, and increases butyric acid content.

Development of a smart pH-responsive nano-polymer drug, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol conjugate against the intestinal pathogen, Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease. The virulence in V. cholerae is regulated by the quorum-sensing mechanism and response regulator LuxO positively regulates the expression of virulence determinants adhesion, biofilm formation, and cholera toxin production. Previous in-silico studies revealed that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol could bind to the ATP binding site of LuxO and the complex was compact and stable in pHs like intestinal pHs. Here, we have explored the polymeric nano-formulation of 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol using cellulose acetate phthalate for controlled drug release and their effectiveness in attenuating the expression of V. cholerae virulence. Physico-chemical characterization of the formulation showed particles with a mean size of 91.8 ± 14 nm diameter and surface charge of - 14.7 ± 0.07 mV. The uniform round polymeric nanoparticles formed displayed about 51% burst release of the drug at pH 7 by 3rd h, followed by a controlled linear release in alkaline pH. The polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated a tenfold increase in intestinal membrane permeability ex-vivo. At lower concentrations, the 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol polymeric nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic to Int 407 cells. In-vitro analysis at pH 6, pH 7, pH 8, and pH 9 revealed that cellulose acetate phthalate-2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol nanoparticles were non-bactericidal at concentrations up to 500 μg/mL. At 31.25 μg/mL, the nanoparticles inhibited about 50% of the biofilm formation of V. cholerae MTCC 3905 and HYR14 strains. At this concentration, the adherence of V. cholerae MTCC 3905 and HYR14 to Int 407 cell lines were also significantly affected. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of tcp, qrr, and ct at pH 6, 7, 8, and 9 has reduced. The CAP-2M4VP nanoparticles have demonstrated the potential to effectively reduce the virulence of V. cholerae in-vitro.

Combination of nanoparticle green tea extract in tris-egg yolk extender and 39 °c thawing temperatures improve the sperm quality of post-thawed Kacang goat semen

Kacang goats are small ruminants produced by low-income households in smallholder and farm to reduce poverty and prevent undernutrition. Studies to find a cryopreservation protocol for Kacang goat semen are expected to multiplication of genetically superior animals selected by the paternal lineage. This study evaluated the effect of thawing temperature and supplementation of the green tea extract nanoparticle in skim milk-egg yolk (SM-EY) extender on post-thaw sperm quality of Kacang goat semen. Six ejaculates of Kacang goat were diluted in SM-EY supplemented or not (control group) with 0.001 mg/mL NPs GTE. The diluted semen was packaged with 0.25 mL straws (insemination dose: 60x10⁶ sptz/mL) and cryopreserved. Then, six samples of the control group and NPs GTE groups were thawed at 37°C or 39°C sterile water for 30 s and submitted to sperm quality evaluations. The sperm viability, motility, and intact of the plasma membrane (IPM) were higher (p<0.05) in NPs GTE group than control group. In contrast, the NPs GTE group presented lower (p<0.05) malondialdehyde levels and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) compared with the control group. The catalase levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the control and NPs GTE groups. Thawing at 39°C resulted in higher (p<0.05) sperm viability, motility, and IPM than thawing at 37°C. However, thawing at 39°C group presented lower (p<0.05) malondialdehyde levels compared with thawing at 37°C. SDF and catalase levels were similar (p>0.05) between thawing at 37°C and thawing at 37°C. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.001 mg/mL of NPs GTE in SM-EY extender and thawing temperature of 39°C resulted in a better quality of frozen-thawed Kacang goat semen.

The effect of metal-containing nanoparticles on the health, performance and production of livestock animals and poultry

The application of high doses of mineral feed additives in the form of inorganic salts increases the growth performance of animals, but at the same, due to their low bioavailability, can contaminate the environment. Therefore, there is a need to find a replacement of administering high doses of minerals with an equally effective alternative. The application of lower doses of metal-containing nanoparticles with the same effect on animal production could be a potential solution. In the present review, zinc, silver, copper, gold, selenium, and calcium nanoparticles are discussed as potential feed additives for animals. Production of nanoparticles under laboratory conditions using traditional chemical and physical methods as well as green and sustainable methods - biosynthesis has been described. Special attention has been paid to the biological properties of nanoparticles, as well as their effect on animal health and performance. Nano-minerals supplemented to animal feed (poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits) acting as growth-promoting, immune-stimulating and antimicrobial agents have been highlighted. Metal nanoparticles are known to exert a positive effect on animal performance, productivity, carcass traits through blood homeostasis maintenance, intestinal microflora, oxidative damage prevention, enhancement of immune responses, etc. Metal-containing nanoparticles can also be a solution for nutrient deficiencies in animals (higher bioavailability and absorption) and can enrich animal products with microelements like meat, milk, or eggs. Metal-containing nanoparticles are proposed to partially replace inorganic salts as feed additives. However, issues related to their potential toxicity and safety to livestock animals, poultry, humans, and the environment should be carefully investigated.

New horizons for selenium in animal nutrition and functional foods

Selenium (Se), one of the indispensable nutrients for both human health and animal growth, participates in various physiological functions, such as antioxidant and immune responses and metabolism. The role of dietary Se, in its organic and inorganic forms, has been well documented in domestic animals. Furthermore, many feeding strategies for different animals have been developed to increase the Se concentration in animal products to address Se deficiency and even as a potential nutritional strategy to treat free radical-associated diseases. Nevertheless, studies on investigating the optimum addition of Se in feed, the long-term consequences of Se usage in food for animal nutrition, the mechanism of metallic Se nanoparticle (SeNP) transformation in vivo, and the nutritional effects of SeNPs on feed workers and the environment are urgently needed. Starting from the absorption and metabolism mechanism of Se, this review discusses the antioxidant role of Se in detail. Based on this characteristic, we further investigated the application of Se in animal health and described some unresolved issues and unanswered questions warranting further investigation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical reference for improving the quality of food animal meat as well as for the development of Se-based biological nutrition enhancement technology.

Restoration of the GTPase activity and cellular interactions of Gαo mutants by Zn2+ in GNAO1 encephalopathy models

De novo point mutations in GNAO1, gene encoding the major neuronal G protein Gα_o, have recently emerged in patients with pediatric encephalopathy having motor, developmental, and epileptic dysfunctions. Half of clinical cases affect codons Gly²⁰³, Arg²⁰⁹, or Glu²⁴⁶; we show that these mutations accelerate GTP uptake and inactivate GTP hydrolysis through displacement Gln²⁰⁵ critical for GTP hydrolysis, resulting in constitutive GTP binding by Gα_o. However, the mutants fail to adopt the activated conformation and display aberrant interactions with signaling partners. Through high-throughput screening of approved drugs, we identify zinc pyrithione and Zn²⁺ as agents restoring active conformation, GTPase activity, and cellular interactions of the encephalopathy mutants, with negligible effects on wild-type Gα_o. We describe a Drosophila model of GNAO1 encephalopathy where dietary zinc restores the motor function and longevity of the mutant flies. Zinc supplements are approved for diverse human neurological conditions. Our work provides insights into the molecular etiology of GNAO1 encephalopathy and defines a potential therapy for the patients.

Bioactive-loaded nanodelivery systems for the feed and drugs of livestock; purposes, techniques and applications

Advances in animal husbandry and better performance of livestock results in growing demands for feed and its nutrients, bioactive compounds (bioactives), such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and phenolics, along with drugs/vaccines. To protect the feed bioactives in unintended circumstances, they can be encapsulated to achieve desired efficacy in animal feeding and nanoencapsulation gives more potential for better protection, absorption and targeted delivery of bioactives. This study reviews structures, properties, and methods of nanoencapsulation for animal feedings and relevant drugs. Essential oil (EOs) and plant extracts are mostly encapsulated bioactives and phytochemicals for poultry diets and chitosan is found as most effective nanocarrier to load EOs and plant extracts. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocapsules are frequently studied nanocarriers, which are mostly processed by using the ionotropic/ionic gelation. Nanofibers, nanohydrogels and nanoemulsions are not found yet for their application in feed bioactives. These nanocarriers can have an improved protection, stability, and controlled release of feed bioactives which benefits to additional nutrition for the growth of livestock regardless of the low stability and water solubility of bioactives. For ruminants' feeds, nano-minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, essential fatty acids, and drugs are encapsulated by NPs to facilitate the delivery to target organs through direct penetration, to improve their bioavailability, to generate more efficient absorption in cells and tissues, and protect them from rapid degradation. Furthermore, safety and regulatory issues, as well as advantages and disadvantages of nanoencapsulation application in animal feeds are also discussed. The review shows an accurate design of NPs can largely mask safety issues with straightforward approaches and awareness of safety concerns is fundamental for better designing of nanoencapsulation systems and commercialization. This review gives an insight of understanding and potential of nanoencapsulation in ruminants and poultry feedings to obtain a better bioavailability of the nutrients and bioactives with improved safety and awareness for better designing of nanoencapsulating systems.

Multifunctional role of chitosan in farm animals: a comprehensive review

The deacetylation of chitin results in chitosan, a fibrous-like material. It may be produced in large quantities since the raw material (chitin) is plentiful in nature as a component of crustacean (shrimps and crabs) and insect hard outer skeletons, as well as the cell walls of some fungi. Chitosan is a nontoxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polygluchitosanamine that contains two essential reactive functional groups, including amino and hydroxyl groups. This unique chemical structure confers chitosan with many biological functions and activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, immunostimulatory and hypocholesterolemic, when used as a feed additive for farm animals. Studies have indicated the beneficial effects of chitosan on animal health and performance, aside from its safer use as an antibiotic alternative. This review aimed to highlight the effects of chitosan on animal health and performance when used as a promising feed additive.

Ameliorating effect of the biological Zinc nanoparticles in abamectin induced hepato-renal injury in a rat model: Implication of oxidative stress, biochemical markers and COX-2 signaling pathways

Extensive use of abamectin (ABM) as an anthelmintic in veterinary systems adversely affects the health and welfare of animals and humans. Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have therapeutic benefits and ameliorate the effect of environmental pollutants. In this study, we assessed the ameliorative effect of ZnNPs against the sub-lethal toxicity of ABM in rats. Forty healthy rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 10); the control received normal saline and test rats were treated orally twice weekly with ABM (1 mg/kg bwt), ZnNPs (10 mg/kg bwt) and ABM + ZnNPs for 28 days. Upon completion of the study period, blood and tissue samples were collected and prepared for hematological, biochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Our results showed that ABM treatment significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HC), and platelet (PLT); while it significantly increased white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes. ABM also significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities: superoxide dismuthase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) and increased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. ABM significantly raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, which was restored by co-administration of ZnNPs. Moreover, ZnNPs ameliorated ABM-mediated negative histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues, exhibiting a significant protective effect. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) + immuno-expression were reduced after pretreatment with ZnNPs. These findings suggested that co-administration of ZnNPs with ABM mitigated its toxicity by combating oxidative stress and boosting antioxidant capacity, indicating the efficacy of ZnNPs in attenuating ABM toxicity.

The risk assessment of high-fat diet in farmed fish and its mitigation approaches: A review

In the era of intensification of fish farms, the high-fat diet (HFD) has been applied to promote growth and productivity, provide additional energy and substitute partial protein in fish feeds. Certainly, HFD within specific concentrations was found to be beneficial in boosting fish performance throughout a short-term feeding. However, excessive dietary fat levels displayed vast undesirable impacts on growth, feed efficiency, liver function, antioxidant capacity and immune function and finally reduced the economic revenue of cultured fish. Moreover, studies have shown that fish diets containing a high level of fats resulted in increasing lipid accumulation, stimulated endoplasmic reticulum stress and suppressed autophagy in fish liver. Investigations showed that HFD could impair the intestinal barrier of fish via triggering inflammation, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and microbiota imbalance. Several approaches have been widely used for reducing the undesirable influences of HFD in fish. Dietary manipulation could mitigate the adverse impacts triggered by HFD, and boost growth and productivity via reducing blood lipids profile, attenuating oxidative stress and hepatic lipid deposition and improving mitochondrial activity, immune function and antioxidant activity in fish. As well, dietary feed additives have been shown to decrease hepatic lipogenesis and modulate the inflammatory response in fish. Based on the literature, previous studies indicated that phytochemicals could reduce apoptosis and enhance the immunity of fish fed with HFD. Thus, the present review will explore the potential hazards of HFD on fish species. It will also provide light on the possibility of employing some safe feed additives to mitigate HFD risks in farmed fish.

The Role of Zinc Microelement in Aquaculture: a Review

Trace elements are required in optimum regimes for improving the productivity and wellbeing of aquatic animals. Zinc is one of the main microelements involved in several functions in the animal's body. Zinc potentiates the metabolism function, synthesis of essential enzymes, and the formation of hormones associated with growth, reproduction, immunity, and antioxidative roles in aquatic animals. Several sources of zinc are regularly applied in aquaculture, including inorganic, organic, and nanoparticles. Many studies examined the effects of zinc supplementation in the diets of aquatic animals. The results indicated that zinc could be included in aquafeed in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of zinc depend on the dose, source, duration of feeding, animals' sizes, and experimental conditions. This article comprehensively discusses the results of relevant studies that investigated the effects of zinc on the performances of aquatic animals. The review also intended to update the academia with the previous and current status of using zinc in aquafeed. Furthermore, the article includes up-to-date outputs of relevant studies of using different zinc sources in aquafeed.

Beneficial Effect of Selenium Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Supplementation on the in vitro Development Competence of Ovine Oocytes

Background

After the synthesis of selenium doped carbon quantum dots (Se/CDs) via a step-by-step hydrothermal synthesis method with diphenyl diselenide (DPDSe) as precursor, the beneficial effects of Se/CDs’ supplementation on the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes were firstly investigated in this study by the assay of maturation rate, cortical granules’ (CGs) dynamics, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, epigenetic modification, transcript profile, and embryonic development competence.

Results

The results showed that the Se/CDs’ supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) process not only enhanced the maturation rate, CGs’ dynamics, mitochondrial activity and embryonic developmental competence of ovine oocytes, but remarkably decreased the ROS production level of ovine oocytes. In addition, the expression levels of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 in the ovine oocytes were significantly up-regulated after the Se/CDs’ supplementation, in consistent with the expression levels of 5mC and 5hmC. Moreover, 2994 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 846 repressed DEGs were found in the oocytes after the Se/CDs’ supplementation. According to the analyses of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), these DEGs induced by the Se/CDs’ supplementation were positively related to the progesterone mediated oocyte maturation and mitochondrial functions. And these remarkably up-regulated expression levels of DEGs related to oocyte maturation, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modification induced by the Se/CDs’ supplementation further confirmed the beneficial effect of Se/CDs’ supplementation on the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes.

Conclusion

The Se/CDs prepared in our study significantly promoted the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes, benefiting the extended research about the potential applications of Se/CDs in mammalian breeding technologies.

Comparing the Influences of Selenium Nanospheres, Sodium Selenite, and Biological Selenium on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Antioxidative Capacity of Growing Turkey Pullets

Supplementation of selenium in poultry feed is required in an optimum dose and form for optimizing the growth performance and health status. Selenium nanospheres are suggested as an efficient and alternative to the conventional organic or inorganic forms. The study evaluated the effects of selenium (Se) nanospheres (SeNPs) as an alternative to organic Se (Sel-Plex^®) or inorganic Se (sodium selenite, Se(IV Se(IV)) on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and antioxidative capacity in turkey pullets. A total of 160 1-day-old Bronze turkey poults chicks were divided into four groups with 40 pullets each. The birds were fed on four types of diets as fellow: control (basal diet, 0.01 Se mg/kg), SeNPs (0.43 Se mg/kg), organic Se Sel-Plex^® (0.41 Se mg/kg), and inorganic Se(IV) (0.42 Se mg/kg) for 8 weeks. No changes were seen in the body weight gain in growing turkey pullet, but chicks fed with Sel-Plex^® form recorded the lowest feed intake (p < 0.05) compared to other treatments. Dietary SeNPs and Se(IV) selenium sources improved the feed conversion ratio compared to other treatments. All Se forms fed on turkey pullets showed higher carcass percentage weight and liver Se content than the control group. However, the gizzard percentage weight in the SeNPs group was lower than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Birds fed SeNPs, and Sel-Plex^® forms supplemental diets had a lower cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) than the control and Se(IV). While high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was increased in SeNPs and Se(IV) groups, and total protein concentration was higher in the Se(IV) group. Furthermore, dietary SeNPs reduced (p < 0.05) the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total lipids, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde plasma concentrations and increased the glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC). In conclusion, the results confirmed that feeding turkey pullets on SeNPs form with the 0.4 Se mg/kg of feed enhanced feed efficiency, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipids concentration, and antioxidative capacity.

Growth Performance, Antioxidative Capacity, and Intestinal Histomorphology of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)-Fed Dietary Zinc Nanoparticles

Zinc is one of the essential microelements involved in vital physiological and biological functions in the fish body. The study evaluated the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal histomorphology of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)-fed dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) at 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg for the first time. The final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of Grey Mullet-fed dietary ZnO-NPs at 20 and 40 mg/kg were meaningfully enhanced (p < 0.05). Further, the weight gain (WG) was significantly higher in fish treated with ZnO-NPs than the control, and fish fed 20-40 mg/kg had the highest WG (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was meaningfully reduced in fish fed 20-40 mg ZnO-NPs/kg (p < 0.05). The histomorphology of the intestines revealed a significant improvement in villus height, villus width, and goblet cells by ZnO-NPs. The lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index showed higher levels in Grey Mullet-fed dietary ZnO-NPs at 20 mg/kg than fish fed 0, 10, and 40 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were markedly improved in Grey Mullet treated with ZnO-NPs compared with the control, and the group of fish treated with 20 mg/kg had the highest SOD and CAT (p < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly higher in fish fed 20-40 mg/kg ZnO-NPs than fish fed 0-10 mg/kg and fish fed 40 mg ZnO-NPs/kg showing the highest GPx value (p < 0.05). The concentration of malondialdehyde was markedly lowered in Grey Mullet fed ZnO-NPs at varying levels (p < 0.05). Based on the overall results, the regression analysis suggests that ZnO-NPs can be included at 24.61-35.5 mg/kg for the best performances of Grey Mullet.

Age features and reference intervals for the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements in laying hens

Background and Aim: Micronutrient imbalances pose a severe threat to the health and productivity of livestock and poultry. In this regard, a further stage in feeding science development will control and optimize the intake of mineral substances, including determining the elemental composition in some biosubstrates. One of these biosubstrates can be a feather. However, the amount of available information on the content of trace elements in laying hens is limited, complicating the laboratory data interpretation. Therefore, this study established reference intervals for the concentrations of the main essential and toxic elements in laying hens in different periods of ontogenesis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on clinically healthy Hisex Brown laying hens at the age of 10 (n=150), 30 (n=150), 120 (n=150), 150 (n=150), and 210 (n=150) days. All examined birds were born and raised on the territory of the South Ural biogeochemical province of Russia. The sampling of feathers was carried out by plucking the flight feathers of the wing. Inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry determined the elemental composition of the feather according to 25 parameters. Results: The results showed that at the minimum age (10 days), the highest concentrations of chemical elements were observed in laying hens. Subsequently, as they grew older, in the period from the 30th to the 120th day, there was a significant decrease in these indicators. Later, from the 120th to the 150th day, a statistically significant increase in concentrations was replaced. Little growth and relative concentration stability were observed in the last part of the experiment (150-210 days). Chemical element concentrations in feathers were computed in reference ranges for each age group. Conclusion: The calculated ranges of chemical element concentrations in laying hens can be used to compile norms for their content in the body; however, it is worth noting that these ranges can vary depending on the biogeochemical province of breeding and the bird's age.

Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment

Oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants has been established as an important factor that can negatively affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Excess ROS exert their pathological effects through damage to cellular lipids, organelles, and DNA, alteration of enzymatic function, and apoptosis. ROS can be produced intracellularly, from immature sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Additionally, several external factors may induce high ROS production in the ART setup, including atmospheric oxygen, CO2 incubators, consumables, visible light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, and culture media additives. Pathological amounts of ROS can also be generated during the cryopreservation-thawing process of gametes or embryos. Generally, these factors can act at any stage during ART, from gamete preparation to embryo development, till the blastocyst stage. In this review, we discuss the in vitro conditions and environmental factors responsible for the induction of OS in an ART setting. In addition, we describe the effects of OS on gametes and embryos. Furthermore, we highlight strategies to ameliorate the impact of OS during the whole human embryo culture period, from gametes to blastocyst stage.

Synthesis of gemifloxacin conjugated silver nanoparticles, their amplified bacterial efficacy against human pathogen and their morphological study via TEM analysis

Drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) allow specific accumulation and controlled release of drugs to infected tissues with minimal cytotoxicity. In this study, gemifloxacin conjugated silver nanoparticles (Gemi-AgNPs) were synthesized, and the amplification of their antibacterial potential against the human pathogen as well as their stability was monitored under physiological conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated the interaction between -NH₂ and -OH functional moiety and the metal surface. The morphological analyses via transmission electron microscopy revealed that Gemi-AgNPs has a round oval shape and average particle size of 22.23 ± 2 nm. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of these NPS showed that Gemi-AgNPs exhibit excellent antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition activity against human pathogens, namely, Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A significant increase in the antibiofilm activity of Gemi-AgNPs was confirmed by crystal violet, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining, and microscopic analysis. Gemi-AgNPs exhibited the ability to inhibit urease with an IC₅₀ value of 57.4 ± 0.72 µg/mL. The changes in the bacterial cell morphology were analyzed via TEM, which revealed that cell membranes disrupted and completely destroyed the cell morphology by the treatment of Gemi-AgNPs.

Use of Chemical Nano-Selenium as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent in Quail Diets and Its Effect on Growth, Carcasses, Antioxidant, Immunity and Caecal Microbes

Nano-minerals are used to enhance mineral bioavailability, which helps improve animal growth and health. The use of chemical nano-selenium (Che-SeNPs) has lately attracted great scientific interest, mainly due to its potential benefits for poultry. The current study was conducted to investigate the impact of the dietary supplementation of Che-SeNPs on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood constituents, antioxidant status, immunity, and gut microbiota of Japanese quails. A total of one week-old 180 Japanese quails were randomly distributed into four equal groups, and each group consisted of 45 unsexed birds with five replications (nine birds each). The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (0 g/kg Che-SeNPs), and the second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets containing 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg Che-SeNPs, respectively. The results showed that the dietary supplementation of Che-SeNPs significantly (p < 0.0001) increased body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, but decreased feed intake (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. The highest values of growth performance were recorded in the group fed 0.4 g Che-SeNPs g/kg feed. Che-SeNPs levels did not affect the carcass traits, relative organs (except liver), or blood hematology (except platelet count and hemoglobin level) of quails. Plasma total protein, albumin, aspartate amino transferase (AST), and urea values were not affected by dietary Che-SeNPs, but alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase values declined. Globulin and creatinine values were linearly increased with the inclusion of Che-SeNPs (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) in quail diets compared to the control. The supplementation of Che-SeNPs in quail diets significantly improved (p < 0.05) the plasma lipid profile and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to the control group. Immunoglobulin G values of Che-SeNPs (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) were higher (p < 0.05) than those in the control group. The groups fed diets supplemented with Che-SeNPs showed lower (p < 0.0001) total bacterial count, total yeast and molds count, Coliform, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella spp. colonization, and higher (p = 0.0003 and 0.0048) lactic acid bacteria counts than those in the control group. In conclusion, Che-SeNPs supplemented up to 0.4 g/kg can improve the performance, lipid profile, antioxidant indices, and immunity, as well as decrease intestinal pathogens in quails during the fattening period (1-5 weeks of age).

Supplementation of different zinc sources to low-CP diets and its effect on performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney functions, immunological, and antioxidant parameters of quail chicks

The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of low crude protein (CP) levels, zinc sources (organic as zinc methionine-Zn-Met and inorganic as zinc oxide-ZnO) and their interactions on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood components of growing Japanese quail. A total of 450 one-wk-old Japanese quail with the same body weights were randomly distributed into 9 groups of 50 birds. The 9-diet treatments comprised 3 levels of CP (20, 22, and 24%) and 3 Zn source (0 g of Zn/kg diet, 0.1 g ZnO/kg diet, and 0.1 g Zn-Met/kg diet). The results obtained from this study showed that there were no significant differences among the groups, except for differences in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) at 3 to 5 – and 1 to 5 wk of age for quail supplemented with 24% and 20% CP. All the studied biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by different levels of CP and Zn, except urea and creatinine, which were affected by CP levels only. In conclusion, dietary protein level for growing Japanese quails could be reduced to 20% without negative effects on their performance, carcass traits, and blood metabolites.

Modified Spirulina maxima Pectin Nanoparticles Improve the Developmental Competence of In Vitro Matured Porcine Oocytes

Simple Summary

Poor in vitro embryo development is a major obstacle in porcine assisted reproduction. In the current study, we utilized modified Spirulina maxima pectin nanoparticles as a supplement to improve porcine in vitro maturation medium. Results showed that modified Spirulina maxima pectin nanoparticles at 2.5 µg/mL improved oocyte maturation in form of first polar body extrusion, reduced oxidative stress, and increased the developmental competence of the oocytes after parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Moreover, the relative transcripts quantification showed significant increase in the pluripotency-associated transcripts in the resultant cloned embryos after modified Spirulina maxima pectin nanoparticles supplementation. Therefore, we provide an optimum in vitro maturation condition to improve the in vitro embryo production in porcine.

Abstract

Molecular approaches have been used to determine metabolic substrates involved in the early embryonic processes to provide adequate culture conditions. To investigate the effect of modified Spirulina maxima pectin nanoparticles (MSmPNPs) on oocyte developmental competence, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved from pig slaughterhouse ovaries were subjected to various concentrations of MSmPNPs (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 µg/mL) during in vitro maturation (IVM). In comparison to the control, MSmPNPs-5.0, and MSmPNPs-10 groups, oocytes treated with 2.5 µg/mL MSmPNPs had significantly increased glutathione (GSH) levels and lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Following parthenogenetic activation, the MSmPNPs-2.5 group had a considerably higher maturation and cleavage rates, blastocyst development, total cell number, and ratio of inner cell mass/trophectoderm (ICM:TE) cells, when compared with those in the control and all other treated groups. Furthermore, similar findings were reported for the developmental competence of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived embryos. Additionally, the relative quantification of POU5F1, DPPA2, and NDP52 mRNA transcript levels were significantly higher in the MSmPNPs-2.5 group than in the control and other treated groups. Taken together, the current findings suggest that MSmPNP treatment alleviates oxidative stress and enhances the developmental competence of porcine in vitro matured oocytes after parthenogenetic activation and SCNT.

Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer

This study investigated the effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) on heat-tolerance variables and the reproductive performance of rabbit does bred under hot climate conditions. Additionally, the effect of nanoencapsulation technology on the biological efficiency of MLEE was considered. A total of 56 rabbit does were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) nonencapsulated MLEE, 25 or 10 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated MLEE, or not treated (Control, C). The treatments continued for 50 days, including mating and pregnancy times. Physiological and hematochemical variables, hormonal profiles, and reproductive performance (kindling rate and litter characteristics) were determined. The active components of MLEE were identified. The results indicated that MLEE has 30 active components. All MLEE-based treatments reduced heat-stress-related indicators, such as rectal temperatures, respiratory rates and heart rate; improved hematochemical attributes, redox status, and hormones (progesterone and prolactin); and increased the total litter size, the kindling rate, litter size at birth and litter weight at birth. Adding MLEE can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress by improving metabolism, redox status, and hormonal balance during pregnancy. These effects were seen whether MLLE was in free or encapsulated forms. However, the use of nanoencapsulated MLEE allowed 80% reduction (10 mg/kg BW) in the optimal dose (50 mg/kg BW) without affecting the efficiency of the treatment. These results support the importance of nanoencapsulation technology in improving the bioavailability of active components when they are orally administered.