A review on fatty acids as a potent antimicrobial agent to suppress marine pathogens

Freshwater aquaculture plays a pivotal role in enhancing food production, and the availability of high-quality feed, particularly from plant-based sources, is crucial for the advancement of innovative fish-growing techniques and increased productivity. The growth and development of fish heavily rely on the nutritional value of their feed, including the presence of fatty acids. Fatty acids serve as a source of energy, contribute to the production of essential cellular components, and regulate various physiological processes in fish. By incorporating fatty acids into fish feeds, we can improve growth rates, enhance feed utilization, decrease reliance on limited and expensive resources such as fishmeal and fish oil, and strengthen fish health and resistance to diseases. Moreover, certain fatty acids have shown antimicrobial properties against a range of microorganisms and possess immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, the inclusion of fatty acids in fish feeds is crucial to the sustainable success of the aquaculture industry. The purpose of this review is to examine the potential of fatty acids as a viable and effective alternative to antibiotics in addressing antibiotic resistance in marine pathogens, potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic strategies in aquaculture settings.