Innovative Feed Additives for Sustainable Aquaculture: Phytobiotics Encapsulated in Organic Nanoparticles

The growing demand for affordable fish protein highlights the need to expand fish farming. However, higher stocking in intensive fish farms can cause stress, leading to high mortality rates and financial losses. To tackle these issues, farmers use various chemicals to boost the growth and immunity of the aquaculture species. Yet, excessive use of chemicals in aquaculture has resulted in antimicrobial resistance. However, this approach can be addressed by using phytobiotics as supplements in aquaculture diets to enhance growth and disease resistance. Recently, there has been keen interest in using phytobiotics encapsulated in organic nanoparticles for sustainable aquaculture. This chapter reviews the application of phytobiotics encapsulated in nanomicelles, nanoliposomes, chitosan polymeric nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions on the growth, hemato-immunology, antioxidant, and disease resistance of various aquaculture species. Curcumin in nanomicelles form has been shown to improve growth, digestive health, and stress resistance in Pacific white shrimp. Furthermore, nanoliposomes with essential oils, curcumin, astaxanthin, or Aloe vera have enhanced the growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and overall health of various fish species. Similarly, curcumin, essential oil, and vitamin C encapsulated in chitosan have exhibited enhanced growth, immune responses, and stress resistance in different aquaculture species. Additionally, carotenoid, cinnamaldehyde, citral, essential oil, and herbal extract supplements in nanoemulsion form have enhanced growth, immune responses, and disease resistance in farmed fish species. In conclusion, phytobiotics encapsulated in organic nanoparticles offer promising avenues for improving sustainable aquaculture practices.