In the quest to enhance aquaculture practices, a recent study published in *Bioengineering* has shed light on the potential benefits and risks of incorporating calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) into fish diets. Led by Madhubala Kumari from the Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, the research focuses on the molecular basis of nanocalcium-induced health regulation in Zebra fish (*Danio rerio*).
The study employed a multifaceted approach, combining physiological, histopathological, and computational methods to evaluate the impact of varying dietary concentrations of CaO-NPs. The nanoparticles, synthesized via the co-precipitation method and characterized using techniques like DLS, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and FTIR, were found to have a hydrodynamic diameter of 91.2 nm.
Adult Zebra fish were administered three different feed regimes enriched with 2.4 (T1), 1.6 (T2), and 0.8 (T3) mg CaO-NPs/kg for 30 days. The results were intriguing. The T3 group, which received the lowest concentration of CaO-NPs, demonstrated the highest survival rate (75%) and weight gain (+39.31%). Notably, this group also exhibited the lowest accumulation of CaO-NPs in the brain, liver, and intestine, with no evident histological alterations. In contrast, the T1 group, which received the highest concentration, showed major liver and intestinal damage.
“Our findings suggest that a balanced approach is crucial when incorporating nanoparticles into fish diets,” Kumari noted. “While higher concentrations can lead to toxicity and tissue damage, lower concentrations can promote growth and health benefits.”
The study also delved into the molecular interactions of CaO-NPs with fish metabolic proteins. Molecular docking targeting the NRF-2 oxidative stress pathway revealed strong binding affinities of NPs with catalase, keap1a, keap1b, and mafk, highlighting potential modulation of redox homeostasis.
The implications for the aquaculture industry are significant. The study recommends a 0.8 mg CaO-NPs/kg feed dose to promote potential health benefits in *Danio rerio*, which can be further applicable to commercial aquaculture. This could lead to enhanced fish health and growth rates, ultimately improving the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture practices.
As the field of nanotechnology continues to evolve, such research is pivotal in understanding the intricate balance between benefits and risks. Future developments may focus on optimizing nanoparticle concentrations and delivery methods to maximize health benefits while minimizing toxicity. This study not only advances our understanding of nanocalcium-induced health regulation but also paves the way for innovative applications in aquaculture and beyond.